Two years ago today: Palin family comes home for the holidays

I found this lovely article, published in 2006 by a local Alaska TV news station, KTUU, about the Palin family moving into the Governor's mansion. So very much has happened in only two years. But you can see Palin's warm, friendly, unassuming, unpretentious personality even then. It's refreshing to know she hasn't changed into a jaded politician with all she's been through. I love how she said "I can drive myself" to the security personnel. Such a breath of fresh air from the politicians of today.

Palin family comes home for the holidays
by Maria Downey

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2006

Juneau, Alaska - It was a big weekend in Juneau since a new person came to town. She is the state's newest governor, and the move is the talk of the town.

For some the holidays will be spent in a new home with some very welcoming neighbors. A welcome party was held on the steps of the capitol as neighbors welcomed Sarah Palin's family to the big house on the hill.

For the first family -- at least the first females, who arrived before the others -- it's like a real life Hallmark Christmas special -- a holiday wonderland complete with a fresh Christmas tree from Thorne Bay and donated ornaments from local families who wanted to make sure the first family felt at home. Not that your average home has a room dedicated to the annual holiday gingerbread village.

It's a time for the first kids to pick out their rooms.

"They're pretty polite about those things so they'll work it out amongst themselves, right, girls?" Palin said.

It's a time -- at least for the first teens -- to explore every historic nook and cranny.

It's a home that will be filled with staff: people to cook, clean and round-the-clock security.

"I just don't like to inconvenience anyone, and I've been telling the security folks that, ‘You really don't have to pick me up. I can drive myself,' and I can cook, so I just don't want to inconvenience anyone and that, too, will take some getting used to," Palin said.

In a home with many possibilities for a young family from Wasilla, Alaska.

"Anytime you have kids who can kick their feet up and feel comfortable, it's home," Palin said.

The Palin family home, not just for the holidays, but for the next four years -- or maybe even longer.

"I hope we just don't overwhelm those folks who've maybe have had it nice and quiet around here for some years. It's like, OK, the Palins are here," Palin said.

The first females -- the governor, Bristol, Willow and Piper -- got their tour Friday night. The first spouse, Todd, arrived Saturday, and the first son. Track, will be arriving from school in the Lower 48 in time for Christmas.

All content © Copyright 2000 - 2008 WorldNow and KTUU. All Rights Reserved.