January 5, 2009 Obama makes long awaited Washington arrival Play video

(NECN) - President-elect Barack Obama landed at Andrews Air Force Base on Sunday evening, hours after New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson took his name out of the running for Commerce Secretary.

Obama flew aboard a government 757, typically used by vice presidents and first ladies -- his first trip aboard a government airplane since winning the election on November 4th.

A motorcade then took the President-elect to his temporary home at the Hay-Adams Hotel, across from the White House.

Obama's wife, Michelle, and daughters, Malia and Sasha, made the same trip from Chicago on Saturday to prepare the girls for their first day at their new school on Monday.

The girls will attend the private Sidwell Friends School, which was attended by Al Gore III and Chelsea Clinton.

Obama admittedly got a little choked up before leaving his home in Chicago behind.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.