THE EDDY FILES: Bush Library Dedication

I'm still catching up from a very busy spring! At the end of April, we attended President George W. Bush's library dedication in Dallas, TX. There really are no words to describe how great of a time we had. John and I met in DC working in the Bush Administration, so this was special for us. Also special was seeing many of our friends and former colleagues. There are lots of pictures from this trip...so let's get to it!

First night--Executive Office of the President, Reunion Party Hosted by the former Chiefs/Deputy Chiefs of Staff

Luke Frans and Lori & David Raad--riding to dinner and the party in our fancy stretched SUV/Limo

John & I with Luke--in above mentioned fancy stretched SUV/Limo

The next morning we were up early and in line for the buses. It was chilly in the morning and we all walked away with sunburns. Mother nature can be so deceiving when it is cold outside coupled with major sunshine. Of course, some things never change and with all five living/current Presidents attending, security was tight and so we had to get there extra early...and wait. It was worth it!

Surreal!

The program for the dedication

John & I waiting in line for our shuttle bus

John & Luke

Sarah Beth & Mitchell

Ran into Chad Barth after the main event...of course, he was helping out and making sure everything was running smoothly!

John and I snuck a ride after the event on the "Ritz Carlton" bus. We did not stay there, but we certainly played the part. I was nervous, but John made me loosen up and hop on with the diplomats and other mega donors. Good move, Mr. Eddy. We attended an Office of Political Affairs lunch afterwards and saw even more old friends. Food was good and the conversation better! Later in the evening, there was a Bush-Cheney Alumni BBQ complete with a little Pat Green. It was for everyone who worked in the Administration and/or on the campaign. Oh my...very fun.

Dave McMaster, one of John's great friends (and a groomsman in our wedding) taking a picture of the flags welcoming the Bush Presidential Center on the SMU campus.

John & I at the BBQ

Super fun surprise that President & Mrs. Bush came by AND VP Cheney!

Both the President and VP were in great spirits and were very funny. So great to see the VP feeling and looking good--and as witty as ever.

LOVE!

Finally, the day after the dedication and BBQ, we were able to take tours of the library. I'm not a library guru, but this was pretty awesome. It is very interactive, and we were encouraged to touch, read, sit on, pick up et al anything that wasn't nailed down. President Bush wanted people to get a sense of what it was like to be in his shoes while he was President. The enormous weight of what he was facing on top of the intelligence and information he had at the time is pretty staggering. I can't say enough good things about the library.

The front of the George W. Bush Presidential Center

John walking up the sidewalk--Beautiful Texas landscape

Holland and Momma Jan in the Freedom Tower (part of the Library)

The Freedom Tower had a special lighting ceremony after the BBQ. The "art" is digital and is constantly changing. You will see scenes, landscapes, people, words etc. Very cool. This is a photo looking up. It is a very tall "tower" and makes an impact. A great way to begin the library tour.

Father & Son

Children's Reading corner--guests are encouraged to grab a book and sit on a bench and read. Literacy and education--hallmarks of the Bush Administration

Steel from the Twin Towers. Again, they let you go right up and touch it. So very moving--John is in the bottom left of the photo. It takes your breath away. Keeping America Safe--also hallmarks of the Bush Administration!

The famous bullhorn (the man who gave his bullhorn to the President also attended the dedication), clippings, program from the memorial service and his speech--History!