I do wish Bush and his family well.

As for expense, Obama actually scaled the balls and celebrations way down so as not to come off as extravagant in these tough economic times. I imagine that any extra expense had to be put into security, which was absolutely needed...a sad commentary on today's times. ;(

Oh and as Livil said above, they funded this through grassroots donations...I know cause I got a ton of emails asking for donations for the Inauguration ;) I couldn't do anything on that but I'm so very glad they did it that way.