In 2010 I traveled to Washington, D.C.
 

Gone to Washington!

In 2010, I made my very first trip to Washington D.C. for the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference. Not only did this visit offer up-close views of many of our nation’s most impressive landmarks, but it also afforded opportunities to attend some exciting events.

I felt like the girl on the cover of my book!
 

What a photo op!

First, just for fun -- who could resist this photo op? One Washington D.C. gift shop has a mock-up of the Oval Office where visitors can pose, appearing very presidential. I felt as if I'd just stepped into the cover of my book, If I Were President. See the similarities (oh, I should have worn my glasses)!

Publishers Albert Whitman and Company invited their authors to join staff members for a get-together on Saturday, June 26. We took a brisk walk to the White House for this memorable picture on the left.

On Sunday, June 27, I had the honor of conducting a book signing at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History for my two presidential themed picture books, If I Were President and If I Ran for President. What a treat to meet people from all over the country! The museum’s impressive collection includes the Inaugural Ball Gowns of our First Ladies, Lincoln’s top hat and the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem that became our National Anthem.

Finally, on Monday, June 28, I made my way to ALA, a huge, inspiring, book-filled event! Albert Whitman and Company made me feel most welcome at a book signing at their booth.

During this quick trip, we also fit in some family sight-seeing and lunch with an awesome librarian friend I don’t get to see nearly often enough.

While it was ALA that led us to head to Washington D.C. this summer, the time spent with family and friends, the wealth of history, the abundance of literary events -- and the World Cup playing on big screens in establishments throughout the district -- all contributed to a most unforgettable visit to our nation’s capital. So glad I headed to D.C.
 

Spectacular fireworks at Mount Rushmore!

Book Signing at Mount Rushmore!

In 2008, I received a most exciting invitation! The Mount Rushmore History Association invited me to take part in a book signing for my two presidential themed books, If I Were President and If I Ran for President, at the Mount Rushmore bookstore. What’s more, they scheduled the event for the Independence Day Celebration (held July 3) when 20,000 people were expected to visit the park for the day-long events and the evening’s fireworks display.

On that day, I signed more than 100 books and met teachers, parents and students from all over the country. And what a surprise -- more visitors than expected showed up for the Independence Celebration, about 30,000 people in all!

The event included inspiring programs and a breathtaking fireworks display. What a truly memorable day!