WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama (web | news | bio) has rejoined his family in Washington. The family is staying at the Hay-Adams Hotel across from the White House.

Obama flew from Chicago to Washington on Sunday, one day after his wife and two young daughters made the same trip.

Obama has a busy week ahead of him. Monday, after his girls leave for their first day of classes at the private Sidwell Friends School, he has a meeting planned with Democratic and Republican leaders to discuss the stimulus plan aimed at jolting the economy out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. On Wednesday, he's scheduled to attend lunch at the White House with former presidents.

The Obamas will live at the Hay-Adams until the White House's guest quarters at Blair House, across Pennsylvania Avenue, are available Jan. 15.

Opened in 1928, the Hay-Adams Hotel sits across Lafayette Square from the White House.

There was a lot of excitement around the hotel Sunday as onlookers waited for Obama's arrival and hoped to get a glimpse of future First Lady Michelle Obama.

The area, however, has been sealed off by police, their canines and barriers.

"I wish we didn't need them, but such is life. We have to protect the president and the president-elect," said Elizabeth Van Der Putten, D.C. resident.

In addition to the heightened security, the impending arrival also has emotions running high.

"This is exciting! President-elect Obama is moving into town. I think it's thrilling," said Anne Liesa Alprin, D.C. resident.

The Obamas have traveled a long way, from Hawaii to Chicago and now the Hay-Adams in D.C.

"I think people are going to be excited about the fact that he is in town early. There is some people down here trying to look...you know we all like, we want to see," said Minor Christian, D.C. resident.

But nearby streets have been sealed off with concrete and steel barricades.

"It's probably too much, but what if something were to happen," added Van Der Putten.

Members of Saint John's Church, including former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, looked on as H street was transformed--no driving, no parking.

"It's important that president-elect Obama and his family get settled," said Hagel. "The reality of the world we are living in today--security and the threats, the challenges."

"It's electrifying and its one of those things that we... share as a nation," said John Nolan, Annapolis resident.

All eyes seem to be focused on the secure entrance for the Obamas. Philadelphia resident Barbara O'Malley was on what she calls a stake-out, hoping for a a wave from the future president.

"We are hoping to see him and hoping that maybe he would turn and wave to us. It's kind of important. That is what I was looking for," said O'Malley.

After a 10-day stay at the Hay-Adams, the family will head to the Blaire House to await Inauguration Day.

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