Election Day

Today is election day. Nick went vote before work and was the 94th voter in our precinct. Rather than get up early and go before Nick left for work, I decided to take the babies with me in the mid-morning when I figured things would be more relaxed and baby friendly. I talked to the babies about where we were going and told them that it was VERY important to vote. Alec was a trooper and walked out to the car chanting "Go Vote! Go Vote!" The babies were practically angels and charmed everyone that laid eyes on them while I filled out cards and cast my vote. It felt good to be part of something big, but I must admit the voting experience was a bit of a let down. In my minds eye I saw red white and blue balloons, banners, and "I VOTED TODAY" stickers being handed out left and right. None of these things were there. In fact, the stickers were no where to be found! I was totally bumbed. I was all prepared to wear my sticker with pride (and get my free donut from Krispy Kreme, free hot chocolate from Starbucks, and free chicken sandwich from ChickFila). I know it's just a sticker, and I'm not voting just to get free stuff or get to wear a cool sticker... but all the same I felt a little deflated.

After a chat with my wonderful sister, Erin, we decided that what was most important was that I voted and what was second most important was that I took the babies with me. No, they will not remember going with me. No, they won't remember the many political conversations Nick and I have had over the past few months. In fact, by the time they really start having memories of politics Obama, McCain, Sarah Palin, and Joe Biden may just be part of history. It's not necessarily the memory of the event that is so important. Every experience they have shapes their long term cognitive development.It's the examples and culture they experience that shapes the people that they someday become. If they grow up learning about being politically involved, responsible citizens they will be that much closer to being responsible themselves.

So after Nick got home from work we went back over to our voting precinct to take a family picture. The worker looked at me like I was crazy when I asked her to take a picture of us, even though we had voted much earlier in the day. I just felt like this was something important and worth documenting. Afterwards we went and convinced Krispy Kreme to give us our free doughnuts anyway, and then headed out for the All American Fast Food Dinner at Wendys (we're still not big fans of the golden arches in this house). Then it was home to watch "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown", baths and bedtime. Now we're watching, waiting, wondering how close is it going to be? Who will win? From my poll on the sidebar you can see that the majority of my readers voted McCain. Tonight we can hopefully see who the majority of Americans have deemed worthy to become the next President of the United States...