12-2, Capitol Tree Lighting

Ok.....I'm REALLY starting to like living near DC. I can't tell you how many times Sven and I have asked ourselves...'where else could you...'. So if you thought I was excited before about getting to see the MT tree up close and personal over the weekend, you can only IMAGINE how psyched I am about yesterday's course of events. Long story short, we got invited into the "inner circle" after the tree-lighting ceremony at the Capitol last night and THEN we got invited to a private reception at the U.S. Botanic Garden afterwards. It was AWESOME! We got to see Senator Max Baucus (again....last time was in 1995 when I was still at the academy) and thank him (again) for my nomination from him to attend the USMMA. (And, yes, Thad, I DID thank him for you as well for your nomination from him to attend USAFA!). We were only feet away from Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. In attendance also were the Governor of Montana, (Brian Schweitzer), the Lt. Governor (John Bohlinger), Senator Tester and Congressman Rehberg. How's that for hobnobbing in the DC scene? =) And yes, Nikolas did attend it all with us. We tried explaining how this was a 'once in a lifetime' type of event.... yeah, a 6-year old doesn't really get that concept. =) Sven was just thrilled that he got some "Moose Drool" =).....that's beer for you non-Montanans!

Nikolas, me, Senator Baucus and Sven