Yesterday we spent the day driving to Washington, DC and back, with a brief few hours in between marching against the war. Ruby's first demonstration.

The turnout was great, the crowds were energetic and there was the usual mix of young, old, hippies, anarchists, unions, pacifist groups and so forth. It helped that it was a gorgeous day. Unfortunately most folks there were hoping--uselessly I fear--that the demonstration would push the Democrats to act and stop this mad mad war. A lot of the media focused on the celebrities at the demonstration, like Sean Penn, who threatened to not vote for the Democrats in 2008 if they don't listen to the crowd and stand up to Bush and his cronies. If only he meant that he will then vote independent...

Ruby enjoyed her outing, for the most part. The one picture of her sleeping in the car misrepresents our trip there and back, because she fussed most of the time. I think she was hyped that she got to sit next to her mom and dad and that was way more interesting than sleeping. But she caught up during the demonstration, dozing through all the chants and drumming!

David and I also had a wonderful time seeing so many of our friends, like Charlie and Teresa (above) and others, some having travelled in from as far as Detroit and New Orleans. Way to go Solidarity--the turnout was excellent!

Thanks to Rob and I-Shien for taking us down with them (last picture) in their fancy comfy car and especially to Rob for doing all the driving. Made the long day a little less onerous for us sleep-deprived parents.

-- Marsha