One thing about moving into the big kid stage (or, as Ben likes to say, having big kids who are "going through adolescence") is that all these new interests are brought into our family and begin to shape our days and activities. This fall has found us chasing presidential candidates as they tour through Greenville. Our first meeting was at a local diner where Jeb Bush came through unannounced to the public before a speaking engagement at Furman. A friend of Travis's from co-op gave him the heads up after receiving an invitation from reporter friend. So, in an effort to encourage the budding Alex P. Keatons in our family, I left the little boys with the neighbors (no need to risk ending up on CNN for some sort of wild shenanigan) and staged a lunch out with my big kids. We did order and we did eat (kind of), but we weren't there for the food. Mr. Bush arrived about 20 minutes after we did and was every bit as personable and relatable as you'd hope. 

Travis spent a few minutes considering what burning question he should ask when our turn came to shake his hand, and finally made his choice. 

He asked Gov. Bush what super hero he would choose to be if he could pick any at all. At this, Gov. Bush laughed, said he'd have to think about it for a minute, and then asked if Travis had any suggestions. He did, of course, and replied that Captain America seemed rather presidential. Gov. Bush heartily agreed, and then quipped that he'd also be prepared with a shield to fend off any lightning bolts that Trump might send his way. 

A bit later, upon seeing Sam follow him around like the paparazzi with his camera, he told his own campaign photographer to switch cameras with Sam. His arm muscles got a workout lugging that dream machine around for the next thirty minutes! In the end, Gov. Bush told Sam to pack his bags and hit the trail with him. Next stop: Miami! 

A few weekends later we had the privilege of shaking hands with Dr. Ben Carson, and the boys have tickets at the ready for an event that Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are attending in a few weeks. 

These boys are handy to have around and I know more about the candidates a full year before the election than I ever have upon entering the voting booth. Debate nights are an event that requires good food and drink (and ends up making small children cry because they can't stay up for the entire three hours). Jimmy and I are more than happy to support this interest, though we do draw the line at rearranging our schedules for two candidates; Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. They can both sail right on through Greenville and we never even need to know about it. Though with these boys tracking everyones moves, I'm sure we will.