We celebrated this historic day with coloring pages and me “encouraging” the girls to watch the swearing in, and as much of the speech and ceremony as possible.

What an amazing nation I live in – a nation that has changed so much in the past century. I am so proud that we elected Barack Obama as our 44th president, and I am optimistic for the next 4 years.

Meanwhile, we celebrated New President Day with more packing! That’s Change, right?

We also celebrated by having guests over for dinner – we had issued a Brussels Sprout Challenge a couple months ago, and we were finally able to serve up the Roasted Brussels Sprouts tonight.

The verdict? Two people who swore “I don’t like brussels sprouts” ate seconds. I win! I’ve converted so many people over to the joy that is Roasted Brussels Sprouts after a childhood of eating refusing to eat mediocre steamed brussels sprouts.

So, let’s believe in change, let’s celebrate change, let’s find joy in unexpected places. Let’s do our best to have hope for the future – hope for the little things (like yummy food) and hope for our futures.