White House Easter Egg Roll

Since it was Easter, and because the New York trip still has a lot of parts to go, I thought I'd stray from the NYC chronicle to talk about a little craziness called the White House Easter Egg Roll.

A couple of weeks ago or so, some of the ladies in my ward began talking about getting tickets for the Easter Egg Roll. Apparently, the DC area is filled with crazy parents who camp out overnight to be amongst the first 22,000 to get tickets to this event. So naturally I decided to join in the throng.




The "campsite" was set up by 7pm, and probably even earlier. (Of course I wasn't on time. Really, now.) You should have seen it. It was a regular tent city right there on the outskirts of the Ellipse. Rather impressive.

I came prepared for misery. I mean, really, how on earth could camping out at the White House in mid-March ever be called a good idea? I brought reading material (that I didn't read), a flashlight (that I didn't need because, hey, I could have cross stiched in the light from the lampposts--if I cross stiched), Kleenex galore (because my allergies were acting up--those darn spring blossoms that mean winter is officially over, despite the near freezing temperatures), a vat (okay, a thermos) of steaming hot chocolate (a good idea), and lots of fleece (also a good idea). But it actually wasn't that miserable. We had a group of about 16 (all mommies on holiday from the kids--thanks, dads!). We played getting to know you games, chatted, and enjoyed treats from a never-ending supply. It was cold, but my big long coat, fleece, and gloves insulated me quite well. The misery came at about 3am in the form of a park ranger in a golf cart masquerading as the town cryer. ("30 minutes until ticket vouchers are passed out!" or some innane statement to that effect.) Finally, at about 5am, we got the golden tickets! Okay, the golden numbered vouchers that would get us the golden tickets.

After trying to get back to sleep (ha--like I could sleep through the bright lights, the noise from the other "campers", and the traffic on 15th and Constitution), the town cryer returned at around 7am to tell us to pack it up and line up to get the golden tickets.

After all of that, we did get our tickets (I was #896). I felt bad for the other numberless campers who stayed overnight only to be told there were not enough tickets for them. I felt supremely grateful that our group got there early enough. Thanks, group!

So on Monday afternoon, we had the pleasure of being amongst the other 22,000 crazy people to grace the White House lawn to roll Easter eggs across a short strip of sectioned off grass.

Oh, that wasn't all. There were fantastic photo ops. Look at how close we are to the actual White House!

There was face painting, egg coloring, an egg hunt, story time (we missed out on Laura and Jenna, though), and a mural making with Wyland, among other things. It was a regular zoo, it was. And I supplied the monkeys. :)

Hailey is certain she won her group's egg roll. (Not to be confused with the Chinese kind you eat.)

Mia was actually very careful with her egg. Until the rolling was done and she beat on it with her spoon.

All in all, it was a fun experience. I mean, how often does one get to play on the White House front lawn? (Or see the First Dog play on the West Wing lawn? Which we saw, too.)

So, if you're feeling a bit crazy next year, I highly recommend a large group just as crazy to share a little pre-Easter overnighter with. In fact, I recommend my crazy group. (And if my crazy group is still crazy next year, count me in!)