Howard and Shonda Santos missed President Obama’s first inauguration in 2009. So when Obama won re-election on Nov. 6, the North Carolina couple didn’t waste time planning a trip to D.C. with their two young daughters for his second swearing-in.

“We decided by Nov. 7,” Howard Santos said with a laugh. “It’s just a great opportunity for our daughters. When they get older, I hope they look back and cherish it.”