Happy Holiday’s!

Yesterday I went on my very first tour (self-guided) inside the White House!  How awesome is that?  My friend Brian invited me a couple of weeks ago to see the holiday exhibit and since then I’ve been anticipating the visit, especially for the photo ops!

Upon my arrival at the security gate I gave the Secret Service policeman my name and identification; however, he was unable to locate me on the list of cleared individuals, so I was told to wait in a holding area while they investigated and determined whether I would be allowed to enter.  While I waited (about 20 minutes) other visitors were also instructed to wait in the holding area, which eventually filled up. I’d overheard that most were there because their first and last name were transposed or for incorrect birthdates.  I was asked to wait because my last name was misspelled, therefore I had to be re-cleared which took a little longer. After I was cleared, we went to another check point, where they asked for our identification again! We then went inside a building and stood in front of a fan that blew in the direction of another Secret Service policeman and his detection dog.  Lastly, we went through the security check point.

Finally!  After more than an hour of processing we entered the East Visitor Entrance!  This year’s theme is A Timeless Tradition and below are several of the images taken (some with brief descriptions), all captured with my iPhone 6 Plus.

East Visitor Entrance

East Colonnade

East Colonnade and Garden Room

Inside at the East Visitor’s Entrance

The White House dogs and a cute little visitor!

East Colonnade

The Vermeil Room

The China Room

East Room Entrance

Me, at the entrance to the East Room

The East Room

East Room adornments

A closer image of the garland

Nativity scene in the East Room

East Room window of icicles

The Green Room

Green Room Tree

The Red Room

Red Room Tree

The Red, White, and Blue tree in the Blue Room. It is dedicated to our Nation’s service members, veterans, and their families.

A close up of the Red, White and Blue Christmas Tree

This is an inscribed ribbon used as garland. It contains messages to military personnel.

This image is from the Blue Room

At the entrance to the State Dining Room

Inside the State Dining Room

The State Dining Room

State Dining Room

A close-up of the toy ornaments

Me, at the giant gum ball machine

A close-up of the gum ball machine

Me and Brian

East Visitor Exit

Look closely at the bulb, what do you see?