As the presidency of George Walker Bush draws to a close, now is the time to look back and reflect on the eight years that were the Bush administration. Many words have been written about our 43rd president, but as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few pictures, some actual photos and some that have been slightly embellished.

President Bush prepares for a future appearance on Dancing With The Stars.

The president observing the troops in the field.

On the phone in the Oval Office.

Waving the flag at the Olympics.

And of course, politicians and babies go together like peanut butter and jelly.

President Bush’s thoughts at the Pope’s funeral.

Who can forget the famous shoe-throwing incident?

And to sum up.

In the words of the Grateful Dead, what a long, strange trip it’s been. But wait, there’s more below.