"Research in Tampa"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 04.30.08 5:30 PM

On Tuesday, we visited The Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute located in the University of South Florida in Tampa as part of Dad's health care tour this week. We were really amazed at the facilities, doctors and technicians who are making such a difference in the world of medicine and cancer treatment.

Tune in to see Mom on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight. She's excited about her first appearance and will hopefully get a chance to show her funny side.

Song of the Day: Daydreamin' by Lupe Fiasco featuring Jill Scott

Click on any photo to zoom and and see the full photograph.

Mom and Dad arriving for the event that morning.

Meeting some of the researchers and program coordinators.

Mom checking out some of the samples they use in their research.

Dad was very interested in seeing how their research is conducted.

Check out all the cameras in the background.

I don't know how they keep this place organized.

Shannon filming while Melissa (Mom's press secretary) and Meghan (Mom's assistant) share a laugh.

I love this pic.

Meghan and Shannon enjoyed the tour.

This sign says it all.

Shannon finding the perfect spot to film.

Dad being introduced for his remarks.

Dad spoke to the doctors who work at the center.

Waiting to get on the plane while talking to Brooke.

On the tarmac.

Sharing my lunch with Dad.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

"Miami and Tampa"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 04.29.08 10:12 AM

Early Sunday morning, we flew down to Miami and attended a fundraising reception and dinner at the gorgeous Biltmore Hotel. There was an amazing salsa singer by the name of Willy Chirino (a Grammy Award winner and his wife, Lissette, who is also a talented and well known singer) who sang the song "Johnny B Goode" to a Latino beat and it set a festive tone for the evening. The dinner was traditional Cuban fare and was absolutely delicious (Cuban food is running a close second to Mexican, my #1 favorite food).  Today we attended a health care forum sponsored by the Miami Children's Hospital where we heard many patients, their families, and doctors describe their heart-wrenching ordeals and challenges with the health care system. Tomorrow we're off to more events in Florida for our continued "Health Care Tour".

Also, to answer a question I keep getting asked, the song "The Senator's Daughter" by Fountains of Wayne is not about me, although I am also curious as to who inspired the song.

Click on any photo to zoom and and see the full photograph.

While catching up with my friend from New York, Navarone, this random guy busted in on our picture.

Brett (Dad's talented debate coach) and Shannon at the reception.

Dad, Mom and Florida Governor Charlie Crist before the event.

Sound check!

We were thoroughly entertained by the talented Willy Chirino (Grammy Award winning musician).

I love the stars projected on the walls.

Sitting down for dinner at these gorgeous tables.

I wish I was as tan as Charlie Crist.

Piper, Senator Martinez and I in the hotel lobby this morning.

The health care event was very emotional.

Everyone had amazing stories of courage to tell.

This little boy was so adorable.

Mom and Dad at the forum.

I met this girl whose brother also had a cleft pallet (my sister Bridget was born with one as well).

Her little brother showed off his impressive collection of matchbox cars.

It was wonderful to meet the surgeons.

Dad enjoyed meeting some of the patients in the audience.

Mom's press secretary, Melissa, is already busy.

Looking out at the press gathered on the tarmac.

Mom and Dad getting off the plane in Tampa.

We snuck out of a fundraiser to go to the beach.

These people were kite surfing - I HAVE to try this one day.

Shannon and I on the beach.

We loved this "lion pool".

Sunday, April 27, 2008

"White House Correspondent's Dinner"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 04.27.08 7:17 PM

Shannon, Heather and I enjoyed a whirlwind of DC festivities this weekend, beginning with a swanky cocktail party hosted by People magazine on Friday night and culminating with the White House Correspondent's Dinner and after-party hosted by Bloomberg on Saturday night.  People Magazine graciously invited the Blogettes and Nana to be their guests on both nights and we are very grateful for their hospitality. The Dinner is a major annual black tie event and this year it was hosted by the always hilarious Craig Ferguson.  It attracts top DC and NY politicos, national reporters and even some celebrities to help give it an "Oscar" vibe. We also enjoyed meeting Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag from MTV's "The Hills" who were incredibly friendly and sweet. Below are some pics taken at People's cocktail party on Friday night, followed by the Dinner on Saturday night. And for all of our younger fans, be sure to check out the photo-op with The Jonas Brothers!

We are officially back on the road with the campaign tonight so be sure to check the site for some interesting posts this week.

Click on any photo to zoom and and see the full photograph.

Talking with Holly Bailey at People Magazine's party on Friday with Shannon and Nana.

Shannon and I catching up with Joe.

My amazing friends, Heather and Shannon.

Walking the red carpet on Saturday night before entering the dinner. My dress is Carlos Miele.

I was thrilled to get a photo with the legendary Donatella Versace.

Here I am with Ramin Setoodeh and Andrew Romano (old Newsweek friends from my days of interning) at the Newsweek Pre-Party.

Chatting with Bret Begun, Ramin and Andrew.

I met the The Jonas Brothers who could not have been more charming and polite.

Shannon and Heather both looked incredible for the evening.