Our Amazing Experience

This afternoon I got off work at 2pm, drove from Douglas to the Valley and picked up Caitlin from her daycare. Then we drove back downtown and found a parking spot. It was snaining (Juneau word -snowing and raining at the same time) and there was slush everywhere. We bundled up in our winter gear, I packed Caitlin in the stroller with blankets and headed up the hill for the Governor's Mansion. Yep, we went to Governor Palin's home in Juneau! Every year the Governor has a Christmas Greeting at the Governor's Mansion. Fortunately there was a small line, we only had to wait 5-10 minutes to enter the house. Let me set the mood - outside the house is decorated with Christmas lights and wreaths and snow :), the kids from different schools come to sing and the Commissioner's (my boss included) walk around with trays of cookies and hot cider! Once you are through the door you are greeted and directed to Governor Palin, Todd and other State Officials. We spoke briefly with Governor Palin and shook hands. Caitlin wanted down to run after being in the stroller but she did great being held! They had a very large table filled with cookies (we each had one!) and there are a lot of gingerbread houses built by kids in school. One room had a train all set up with Christmas trees, another with drinks and then the main room had a grand piano with a group of high school singers who sang Christmas songs beautifully! There are a lot of people to visit with. Then you head back out. Well on our way out I decided we should take a picture with Governor Palin (once in a lifetime opportunity right?) so we looped around! Unfortunately I forgot my camera but was able to get a picture with my camera phone! Oh but prior to this we ran into Piper, Governor Palin's youngest daughter, she had Trig. She asked me how old my baby was and what her name was - it was so cute! She said I could take her picture too!! Then we headed out back into the snow. It was truly an amazing experience~ Next I am off to Caitlin's baby book :)