These Photos From Obama's First Year in Office Will Make You Feel Major Nostalgia

Updated on Dec 30, 2016 at 5:15 PM

Official White House photo by Pete Souza

As we speed through President Barack Obama's last weeks in office, it's easy to forget where it all started. It became clear to many in 2009 that the relatively unknown senator from Chicago would become one of this country's most remembered presidents.

That first year in office was full of his promises for "hope" and "change," but some felt he didn't deliver on those pledges fast enough, especially with regards to curtailing war efforts and championing gay rights. Still, he reached achievements like passing an economic stimulus package and beginning work on his Affordable Care Act. Despite all the consequential issues facing him, Obama also made a profound mark on popular culture through glimpses of his genuine demeanor, fun attitude, and deep bond with his family.

Trace through the beginning of his legacy — from the moment he prepares himself in front of a mirror before taking his oath of office to when he rallies previous presidents to find a solution of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake — in these photos from his entry into the presidency.

Getting ready to take the oath of office.

Secret Service agents trying not to look at the first couple’s PDA during the Inaugural Ball.

Taking a second to play peekaboo.

Meeting with the national security team for the first time in the Situation Room (doesn't it look like a movie scene?).

Fist bumping a US solider at Camp Victory in Baghdad, marking himself as the coolest president yet.

Juggling fatherhood as he carries Sasha up to the Private Residence before returning to the Oval Office.

Just a president running along his dog, Bo.

The president and his guide celebrating in Montana what they think is a successful catch only to find no fish on the hook.

Dancing at the Governors Ball with his wife and singing along to Earth, Wind & Fire.

Acting cool as he takes impromptu meetings with White House aides.

The first lady helping Malia sled down a hill on the South Lawn during one of the capital's snowstorms.

Using Air Force One for taking meetings and having a laugh with Secretary of State Clinton.

Wearing 3D glasses to watch the Super Bowl.

Obliging when the son of a staffer wants to see if the president's hair feels like his.

Moving a meeting with senior advisers to the Rose Garden on a Spring day, proving his politics aren't stuffy.

The first couple being illuminated by fireworks in DC on the Fourth of July.

Obama and Biden congratulating then-Secretary Clinton on her daughter's engagement, putting aside the election rivalry.

Sasha goofing off with her dad while the first family takes in a view of the Kremlin in Moscow at dinner.

Touring Ghana and proving that his popularity is global.

Bidding farewell to Ghana alongside dancers and the first family.

Proving his love for kids by bending down to blow a dandelion with his niece, Savita.

Obama and Sasha reading one of Thomas Jefferson's speeches together at the Jefferson Memorial.

The president, extremely competitive in sports and policy, jockeying for a rebound with congressmen during a basketball game.

A kid being completely struck by what the president has to say about affordable health care.

Obama and Sasha dancing along to music at the Fiesta Latina event held at the White House.

Taking a moment during climate change talks.

Joking with his staff aboard Air Force One while heading to the Summit of the Americas.

The first couple waiting to say goodbye to the prime minister of India at the end of their first state dinner.

Robert DeNiro and Bruce Springsteen greeting Obama before the Kennedy Center Honors at the White House.

Taking a break from state affairs to pelt Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel with a snowball.

Obama hugging Malia while on vacation in Hawaii as he waits for a call about the attempted Christmas Day terrorist attack.

Starting his second year with a superpresidential meeting about the 2010 Haiti earthquake.