Hitting the Polls with the Boys

Today I took the kids with me to vote. I always vote in the big elections such as presidential elections but to be honest when we first moved here and didn't know anyone I didn't vote in the local ones simply because I didn't know who to vote for at the time. The boys were aware that school was out today due to elections and I wanted to set a good example for them and exercise my right to vote. I took them with me and prepped them a little on the way to not be loud, keep hands off of the election equipment, etc. They usually are very well behaved and do not cause problems in public. Can you see where this is going? It was a short line and I thought "we've got this..no problem" as I walked in. Overconfidence can sometimes be a downfall for people. Isn't there a saying that pride comes before the fall? A stranger who I'll call Chatty Cathy became the turning point. She kept talking to me and asking questions in line and the boys began to think...hmmm this might be a good time to pick each other up in the air, etc. When we are distracted is when kids seize their little opportunities. Nipped it in the bud and then headed to the booth where the little old man began to go through the process with me. After all that coaching on not touching the equipment...five little fingers reached out repeatedly and kept grabbing at the buttons. Luckily he didn't reach any. The boys started fighting over who was standing closer to me so I told them to go look out the window behind us at the playground outside. The little old man then said..."BOYS! I need you to move around to the side of the table over there. No one is allowed behind the voter." I quickly wrapped it up and headed for the door. I was proud of myself for going as we left walking down the sidewalk past the campaigners. When I reached my car I exercised another right of mine... :)