The big day finally arrives.....

Fellow state winners

breakfast on the bus

I'm kind of excited to be here...

cute dog

waiting to be introduced

On Monday morning we awoke to our Epicurious wake up call at 7:00am.  Luckily, Emma is low maintenance, so we were ready with plenty of time to spare. Worrying that we would be late, I set my alarm for 6:00 am!  We had to check out of the hotel and meet in the lobby by 8:00am.  The buses would be arriving at 8:30 and we would be given a to go breakfast and then whisked away to the White House.  We spent an hour on the bus having breakfast and touring around some of the sights of DC.  I am not sure how much information any of us took in, considering we were all super excited to get to the main event.  The buses arrived at the White House and we drove right in the front gates and started the security process.  Emma thought it was so cool that all the secret service, sniffing dogs and guards (they weren't sniffing) were surrounding us to check things out.  After a lengthy process we were all lined up according to state in front of the White House. Mrs. Obama wanted the entire thing to mimic exactly how the real state dinners were held so we were going to be introduced by the same person and in the same way as foreign dignitaries.  Emma and I tried to stop every few moments and really take it all in.  We had toured the White House in October but this was SO different.  Again, we were treated like royalty.  Everyone was so incredibly nice and so excied for the kids.  They all knew what an amazing experience this was for them and they all tried to make it so special.  After being introduced, Emma and I were instructed to walk past the press pit which was so cool.  I have never had so many flashes going and lights glaring.  Emma gave a cute wave and on we went.  We were then lead in to the foyer to the party that was already in full swing!