Official Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball Reports and Photos Thread (Post 'em Here!)

Saturday, January 22, 2005 | Kristinn

[kristinn]

The Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball was a wonderful, but exhausting time. I'm still wiped out. But, I know folks are waiting for pics and stories. I'll add my observations later, but I wanted to share one thing before I head back to the hotel to see 'Governor' Robinson and his family off.

We received a phone call from the White House yesterday. The Office of Presidential Scheduling called to pass along President Bush's regrets for not being able to attend our ball (we had mailed a formal invitation to him and his family.) We were told, "He hopes it went well."

As it turns out, the ball went really well after a late start.

Governor Huckabee and Capitol Offense rocked the house well past midnight. Impressionist Billy Finch did a wonderful job as Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful. Sauropod's video presentaion was stunning. The speeches by the Iraqis were very moving. WMAL's Michael Graham did a great job opening the show. Nick Danger was excellent emceeing the Eagle Awards. The St. John's College High School JROTC were magnificent presenting the colors. Richard Poe was busy all night signing copies of Hillary's Secret War. Seeking the Truth and his wife, Darlie, couldn't take a break--their 0Cents.com merchandise was very popular.

Thanks to all for their hard work making sure the ball went so well. And a special thanks to the active duty service members from Walter Reed and the Pentagon, as well as the veterans, who accepted our invitations as honored guests to the ball.

Please post your reports and photos or links here. I know alot of folks are traveling home, so check back over the next few day as folks check back in on FR.

[Chieftain]

FReeper Ball photos!

[Teacup]

Hey! How are ya? We sure had a great time. It was a great pleasure meeting you RepubMommy. I still have to post my pictures.

[Mr. Buzzcut]

A couple more:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

[SpookBrat]

Well, here are my pictures. I have to tell you all that our trip was very stressful and the Freeper Ball made the 1,600 mile round trip and all the money spent worth it. I'll treasure the memories made for the rest of my life. I'll be back in 4 years with friends and family.

I really, really appreciate how this party was so family friendly. My children, believe it or not, worked extremely hard along with their mother for the re-election of George Bush. They stood for hours (and hours and hours) on the streets with me, holding signs and my daughter went to headquarters with me to make phone calls. I was happy they could celebrate this victory with me and other conservatives. I just can't thank you enough for letting them be there.

My only criticism is the party wasn't long enough. I wanted to meet EVERYONE and I forgot to take so many pictures, I could just kick myself. Everyone looked lovely and I look forward to the next gathering. Victory 2008!

Not such a great picture but maybe you can spot the back of your head.

The band

Deadhead, I hope you don't mind I lightened your photo a bit so we could see Carolina (on the right of photo) better. Who is the woman at the left of the photo? I can't remember her name.

This is our beautiful Carolina's back on the right hand side dancing with her handsome husband. The kids are with me (two are mine).

One last dance before they send us home.

Who are these boys and their parents? The girls wanted to take them home as a souvenir. They were a lot of fun.

My sweet, wonderful friend Jen and her husband Matt. We always have a blast when we're together. (((NHH)))

Is this John? We thought he was tres, tres handsome. :)

The girl child and me

jayrsmith and his wife Brenda (right?)

Susan from California and DCBRYAN1

A handsome, lurking law student in Washington. Jen and I are going to find him a wife. I'm going to try to get him to register here and post with us. This guy has a great sense of humor...the kids recognize him as "Chris the Follower"...long story, had to be there. :)

[SpookBrat]

Not getting a picture of you was something I regretted, so I'm glad you posted these because now I shall steal them....HA!

[Mr. Buzzcut]

Not getting a picture of you was something I regretted, so I'm glad you posted these because now I shall steal them....HA!

Excellent! Be sure and visit my blog, The Ponderosa ... . To quote Edward L. Norton: "Good, clean fun!"

That was quite a time ... as a metal guy in good standing, I know all about all out fun and that party sure was!

[SpookBrat]

All those little ball gowns and suits were delightful and added a nice touch to the festivities.

What did you think of my "little bear"? (He hates me calling him that). He was really happy to be there at the ball that night. He held signs on the street with me every day, all day, a week before the election. He'll grow up to be a Republican Senator from Texas but wants to join the Navy first. I'm pulling for the Air Force, but he'll have to make his own decisions. :) He was so proud of his blue shirt and black suit.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Great pics, Spooky, thanks. You look lovely as always.

[SpookBrat]

Wish you could have been there. It would have been more fun. :( (((Hugs))) Are you staying warm?

[Victoria Delsoul]

Yeah, maybe next time. I had a running nose during the weekend, but it looks OK now. How are you doing? Your kids are beautiful. Congratulations.

[Jen]

Spookie - help me welcome new FReeper Turbojet, my hubby!

[Diver Dave]

Welcome aboard TJ.
Great pictures. Sure wish we coulda been there to join in on the festivities.

[Jen]

Hey Dave! Spookie and I are already planning our trip out west for the Fresno annual picnic. Looking forward to meeting you!

[RepubMommy]

Could you make them a little bigger next time? My neighbor across the street can't quite read your nametag, but almost.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks for the pics and report Miss Spookie. :^)

[massadvj]

Here are a few of our shots from that day. I'm the one on the far right (where I am always most comfortable). That's my wife Joanne next to me. The other guy is Dr. Wes McDonald, author of "Russell Kirk and the Age of Ideology" and his wife Alice.

[Mr. Buzzcut]

Could you make them a little bigger next time? My neighbor across the street can't quite read your nametag, but almost.

I actually really did LOL that ...! ;)

[Mr. Buzzcut]

The other guy is Dr. Wes McDonald, author of "Russell Kirk and the Age of Ideology" and his wife Alice.

I love Kirk -- "The Conservative Mind", "Roots of American Order", "The Politics of Prudence" and his writings on Burke are part of the Conservative Canon ... did he ever stop writing?!

[Brad’s Gramma]

SPOOKIE!!! Thanks for the ping! You are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! WHOO HOOOO!!!

And your girls! Lock 'em up, will you? Till they're, oh...35 or so.

You all look like you had SUCH a wonderful time!! WOW! :)

[Chieftain]

Great job on the movie! I feel like I was there. I made the last FReeper Ball in 2001 and after watching the movie, I am NOT gonna miss the next one!