Former president George W. Bush was greeted in Texas on Tuesday by a party of his own. Well, maybe it wasn’t exactly a party - but it was definitely a large gathering of people.

As he was cheered by joyous onlookers, Bush announced to the crowd, “the presidency was a joyous experience, but as great as it was, nothing compares with Texas at sunset.” Not even vetoing bills?

Approximately 25,000 gathered to welcome he and Laura Bush back home. “Tonight, I have the privilege of saying six words that I have been waiting to say for a while: it is good to be home,” Bush cried.

While the crowd waited for W. to make his appearance, they were treated to clips from his farewell speech, delivered last week. Bush talked of his own personal optimism and the support he had from his staff during his reign, saying “they did a fabulous job.”

Karl Rove, former Chief of Staff Josh Bolton, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and many others from his administration joined W. at the welcome rally. “I’m coming home with my head held high and a sense of accomplishment,” Bush announced at one point to the crowd.

“I am thankful for having had the chance to serve our great nation for eight years,” he told his audience. And now that the dust has settled and the baton of command has been successfully passed from one man to another, Bush will settle into his post-presidential life. What will that look like?