South Dakota Inauguration

This past weekend Tom, Marqueta, Gabby and I adventured out to Pierre, South Dakota to celebrate Steve's best friend since childhood, Dennis Daugaard, being sworn in as the 32nd governor of South Dakota.

It was such an exciting, busy weekend! What an honor not only to be able to attend, but to know Dennis is such a great family friend. Dennis and his family are such great individuals - it is an awesome feeling to see great things happening to great people.

We left Thursday evening after work and stopped in Sioux Falls to sleep around midnight. Then we woke up Friday morning to finish the rest of our 8.5 hour drive. When we arrived in Pierre, I was so surprised to see how small the capitol city was. Although small, it was still rich in history. We toured the third largest earth dam in the world (Oahe) and checked out the governor's mansion, Tom's uncle (Steve's brother) Roger's memorial (check it out here - such a touching thing). Friday evening we headed to the volunteer party where we got to see Dennis, his family and all those who helped in the campaign. It was jeans attire which was nice knowing that the next day would be spent all day in heels and a few different dresses/gowns! :)

Then Saturday was the big day! Here is the schedule of organized events we attended that day:

January 8, 2011

11:00 a.m. Oath of Office Ceremonies for Legislators
Respective Chambers. Open and free to the public.

12:00 p.m. Oath of Office Ceremony for Governor, Lt. Governor, and other Constitutional and Elected Officials
State Capitol Rotunda. Open and free to the public.

1:30 -3:00 p.m. Receiving Line
First floor of the Capitol. Public greeting of Governor, First Lady, and Constitutional and Elected Officials. Open and free to the public.

6:30 p.m. Capitol Ball
State Capitol. Features "Over Forte" band. Tickets are $25 per person. Dress is formal.

7:00 p.m. Grand March at Capitol Ball

8:00 p.m. Inaugural Ball
Ramkota River Centre. Features the 147th Army Band, South Dakota National Guard. Tickets are $25 per person. Dress is formal.

9:00 p.m. Grand March at Inaugural Ball

Tom's aunts and uncles were there as well so we got to spend some quality time with quality people. I don't have pictures yet (I forgot my camera), but hope to soon. My favorite part of the weekend was the capital ball and seeing Roger's memorial for the first time. The pictures don't even do it justice in how big it is sitting there right on the capitol's grounds.

Congrats, Dennis! Steve is staring down from above so proud of his best friend.