Have you voted?

So, what I really need to be doing is writing my paper that is due tomorrow . . . but talk about lack of focus!  The atmosphere around here is electric.  Flannery took the kids and me out canvassing yesterday and Monday.*  We hung door hangers yesterday (conveniently near one of our favorite sushi restaurants) and Collin was a superstar.  The good thing (for me) about hanging things on people's doorknobs is that you don't have to talk to anyone, but that didn't stop Collin.  Everyone who crossed our path was encouraged to "Vote for Obama!", by our enthusiastic 5-year-old.  And since Nov 4 is conveniently near Oct 31, the kids scored some Halloween candy at more than a few houses.

Flannery took a long lunch and we all went and voted this morning.  The kids had a blast.  Since they didn't have school, they saw tons of their friends, giving the polling place quite a party atmosphere.  At one point the school librarian walked in to vote and she was quickly enveloped by piles of her students.  I should add here that I'm not so keen on giving the kids a holiday on election day.  I sure many parents who had to work were scrambling to make today work.  It's the parents who should be given the day off!

All in all, I think my kids have a bit of an understanding and appreciation for the political process in our country.  Even if all they remember is a sushi dinner and running wild with a pack of kids outside our polling place, I think this is democracy in action.  Now excuse me while I WRITE THIS PAPER.

*I figure this is the fairest way to word it since I am the worst canvasser ever!  Knocking on people's doors and talking to them is probably at the bottom of my things I hate to do list.  In fact, I'm not sure if I can think of anything lower.  It definitely challenges my introvert ways!  Flannery did most of the knocking while I busied myself getting literature ready to hand out.