The crowds have dispersed. The lights, the cameras, and the excitement are all gone from the Capitol Building. They have moved on to the 14 inaugural balls scattered throughout D.C. and to the many, many private celebrations in the city and around the world.

Champagne is being drunk and toasts are being made. Music is playing and people are dancing. The air is electrified with change. Of all the changes, anticipated or otherwise, being spoken of in the world tonight, there is one that may be a little over-looked.

Among all the sleepless throng are two small people caught up in events bigger than themselves: events bigger than most 9- and 7-year olds ever have to face. After all, it’s not every grade-schooler whose father becomes the most powerful man in the world. Nor does every grade-schooler attend classes and birthday parties with body-guards. Yet at the end of the day, the things they will face aren’t so different after all. Their daddy has a new job that will most likely put a lot of stress on him. They probably won’t get to see him as much as they used to. They’ve had to leave their old house with it’s known and loved quirks and must learn all over again which stair squeaks, where the best hiding places are and how to sneak a snack. Though it is they who moved and not their friends, still their friends are gone and soon they must face the gauntlet of classmates and teachers without them.

So, tonight I have something to add to the toasts and speeches.

Welcome home, Malia and Sasha. I hope you like it here.