Barbosa's World: DC - Day One and (part of) Day Two

I really don't even know where to start. Day One will be the easiest because my flight arrived around 8:30 that night. I ran around the hotel to see everyone before I crashed for the night and that was about it. I was tired after working all day and then flying 3 and half hours. That is a lot of sitting for me.

Day Two: Woke up for breakfast, got ready for Marc's retirement ceremony. We arrived the place where the ceremony was going to be held. It was pretty cool...a lot of history in that building. We were all hanging around, waiting for the ceremony to begin. I was pretty chill but excited at the same time. I have never been to an event like this so I did not know what to expect. Marc was a wreck. He was visibly nervous for the first part of the morning, at least up until the ceremony actually began. The one thing I wish that could have been different is that they did not allow electronics of any kind in the building. That meant no cameras. There was a professional photographer there, but I would have still liked to take my own shots. We were told we get copies so I will just have to wait for that. And I do believe there is going to be a video as well. As for the ceremony itself, words cannot describe the awesomeness of it! It was touching, emotional, funny and thoughtful. There was the presentation of colors, passing of the flag (which in the end was given to our Dad), guest speakers speaking on highlights of my brothers career, presentation of letters, awards, etc. My brother awarded his anchor to one of his sailors (please correct me on anything Marc, if I am wrong with the highlights here!) My brother got up and spoke and had some very nice things to say to his collegues, his family and his time in the military. He was funny, witty, nervous and relaxed (if that is even possible). I know I am missing some stuff. There was just so much that was done to honor my brother. I am sure as I continue blogging about my days in DC, I will think of things that happened during the ceremony. I am pretty sure I hit most of the highlights though.

After the ceremony, there was much confusion on who was riding with who. The biggest thing is that Marc had some stuff to close up and it was not necessary for all of us to wait around. And he needed a ride back! So, Roger, my mom, and Jim headed back to the hotel so we could eat. We were starving. We ate at The Decoy Lounge which is inside the hotel. That is also the place where the after party was held. It has this really cool loft area for private parties, a decent size dance floor and a live band for the night. That night is a blog posting in itself. For now, I am closing this day out because I need to figure out how to summarize these events. I just don't think that is even possible.

I am posting just a handful of pics. I took tons of pics and there is no way I can post them all. I am sure I will figure out a way to get them all out for you to see. For now, here a just a couple. Enjoy.