WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- On their son 's last night as president , a melancholy former President George H.W . Bush and his wife , Barbara , made an impromptu visit to the White House 's press briefing room and told reporters how much they 'll miss the building . Ex-President George H.W . Bush says he 'll miss coming and going from the White House . `` We will miss coming and going , but it 's time to move on , '' said the former president , who was a frequent visitor during his son 's two terms in office . `` The Bushes are going to a happy life . '' When a reporter suggested that perhaps one of their other sons , former Florida Gov . Jeb Bush , will take the White House someday , the former president smiled . `` Maybe Jeb will do something . I 'd like to see him try , '' the former president said . Barbara Bush , who was first lady from 1989 to 1993 , said the hardest part of the night was saying goodbye to the White House residence staff a second time . `` In tears twice , '' she said , her eyes red . She added that she and her husband are looking forward to attending Tuesday 's inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama . `` Very exciting day , '' she said . In addition to the inauguration , the former first couple was to attend a final dinner at the White House with current President Bush , first lady Laura Bush and the first couple 's two daughters , Barbara and Jenna . As the former first couple left the briefing room , some reporters and photographers spontaneously started clapping out of respect . Your view of history . The ex-president , who was using a long walking stick to get around , quipped , `` You did n't clap when I was president , what the hell is going on ? ''
Former president , wife visit White House on son 's last night as president . George H.W . Bush smiles when reporter suggests other son could run . Barbara Bush reflects on saying goodbye to White House staff for second time . Comment: