The 44th President, Barack Obama

"Barack....Barack Obama....President Barack Obama." I continually repeated his name until it rolled off my tongue as I sat transfixed to the TV watching the inauguration proceedings unfold in our Nation's capital. In the midst of the weekday morning folly immediately preceding imminent departure to institutions of lower learning, I found myself oblivious to the typical commotion around me until my 4-year old son, Alec came up to me and asked what I was watching.

I told him that I was watching a defining moment in history as "we the people" of the United States of America were about to swear in our 44th President. He asked me what his name was and I told him. He practiced it a few times and put it to memory....I then told him that he was a decent man, a man of character and would work very hard to make our country a better place. I asked him again, what's our new President's name. "Barrack Obama" he said.

At that point, it was time to depart for school at 8:30A (thank heavens for DVR's. I was able to pause live TV and view the swearing-in and outstanding speech a little later). On our way out the door, Alec asked "Daddy, will he ever come visit our house?" I said "Alec, I would be honored to have him visit the Rileys of Roseville."

** Update to Post - I couldn't resist adding this to my original post as Alec's thoughts are priceless***

Scene:  Barack and Michelle Obama at one of the Inaugural Balls this evening.

Reinventing Dad to the triplets...."So who is the guy dancing on stage"

Julia "Barack Obama"

RD "Very Good Ju Ju....so who is he"

Alec "He's the guy who goes golfing all day long"

RD "NO Alec, I believe you're thinking of Tiger Woods....this is Barack Obama, the President of the United States and leader of the free world."

Alec "Yeah, so why does he go golfing everyday then?" 

I swear I don't make these things up!