Political Rallies

This past Monday, Oct. 13th, Sarah Palin was in Richmond for a rally at the Richmond International Raceway. I decided to go and take the kids (daycare closed that day and school let out early) so that they could experience a political rally. To be totally honest, I also wanted to hear Sarah Palin in person. We got there a little late because I spent too much time trying to find our "ticket" which we really didn't need. There were so many people there that we had to stand behind the main area where others were seated. It was okay, though. I could see the podium and could see her when she came out. The kids did so well in the heat and with a 40 minute wait for anything at all to happen. When she began speaking, I held each child up for a few seconds so that he or she could see her, and then the kids resumed picking grass or walking in circles around me while I was listening to the speech. While it was hot and tiring, I was glad we went and the kids experienced that type of event. I tried to explain in simple terms about the election and why it is important for us to understand each candidate's ideas before we vote. It probably went way over their heads.

The most fun part, though, was when we were trying to leave. The kids were hungry and thirsty and happened to see an ice cream truck so I let them get frozen treats since they really had behaved well. We got to the parking area and I really had no idea where I parked, so I told them to sit on the grass and just eat their ice cream (and I drank a bottled water). As the cars thinned out, I found where I had parked. After we got in the car and got in the line to leave, the traffic just stopped, so I parked again and asked what was happening. The police had blocked all other traffic so that the campaign motorcade could leave. So, we got out of the car and walked to the side of the road. About 15 or 20 minutes later, the motorcade came by and we waved to Gov. Palin. She was in a bus and the windows were tinted, but I'm certain she saw us. It was so cute watching my kids waving furiously not really knowing who they were waving to!

The best part in my kids' minds was the ice cream followed in close second by a trip to CiCi's. That was negotiated by Marcie who felt like they deserved that since they had behaved so well and I deserved it since she was sure I wouldn't feel like cooking. Smart girl!