It was mothers, sisters, cousins, children and spouses in the State Capitol today as we held our first day of session.

I began the day arriving at the Capitol at 7 a.m. to prefile seventeen bills which I'll be carrying this year as my legislative package.  Then it was across town to the Virginia Historical Society to join my family and friends for a brunch sponsored by my parents.

With Sharon and three kids in tow, the indomitable white minivan motored back down Broad Street to the Capitol.  The Assembly went into session at noon.  I was allowed to bring the kids onto the floor, which seemed like a decent idea .... But what happened to Thomas?

He got away and dashed over to the Republican side of the chamber.  Meaning?  I went and scooped him up, and we carried him out.  That was the highlight of the day.  We had very few Rules disputes (unlike the House whose majority is still holding secret Subcommittee votes to kill legislation).

I was named to four committees:  1.  Transportation, 2.  General Laws and Technology, 3.  Privileges and Elections, and 4.  Agriculture and Natural Resources.  These are excellent committee assignments.  I'll post more about them as we get our legislation delegated.

We sat in the House chamber to hear the Governor's State of the Commonwealth address, then walked to the Manson for a late dinner with the Governor and his staff.  I'm just getting home now.

I'm off to bed.  I'll be up early for a workout.  Committee hearings begin tomorrow.