In the midst of our political adventures this week, we landed four tickets to the election night party for Mitt Romney last night at the Tampa Convention Center.

We were leaving just as Bryan got home {early} from his trip this week. He rode with me to our precinct to show the kids around. One must have been a registered Republican to have voted in the Florida primary yesterday.

(Just one more lesson the kids have learned through all of this)

Bryan had a last minute meeting called at 530p, so it was just the kids and I off to a night of red, white, and blue in Tampa.

When we arrived downtown, it looked as though we would be watching good ole’ Mitt from the TV at a local restaurant.

Traffic and people were everywhere.

Come to find out, there was a Lightening game last night downtown, too. Obviously, there was more interest in sports than the GOP last night in Tampa.

#gofigure

We happily paid 12$ for a parking spot directly across the street from the convention center. My feet were already screaming from the cute shoes I was wearing.

We walked into the convention center like we knew what we were doing.

We hadn’t a clue.

We were election night party newbies.

We were directed to the doors of Ballroom C where we stood for nearly 45minutes.

Maggie was suckered into a 30$ Romney t-shirt and had her pic taken for the press.
Nicholas was starving and eyed a table of complimentary party mix. But it took a 4$ -  8oz coke to wash it all down. (this party was getting started, alright!)

With a photo ID in hand, we were led to a table where our names were confirmed.

The blue wrist bands we wore were our tickets to a night we will never forget.

The stage was set in the center of Ballroom C. Bleachers on each side and behind. The kids and I looked at each other wondering where we should go. Nicholas and I were hoping we wouldn’t be led to help fill up the bleachers. We really aren’t stand-in-the-background kind of people. Maggie-Peyton on the other hand would have rather rested her weary legs than stand for another three hours.

The floor area in front of the podium was empty. Not a soul was nearby.
What were these people thinking? They were thinking the same thing Maggie-Peyton was thinking – which is why they were filling the bleachers.

So, we casually claimed our spots for the night.

Front and center!

The far front of the room was filled with large bleachers that housed the media.

I secretly wanted to be one of them. They get to work with the really cool cameras.

Over the next few hours, Maggie got comfy, as did my feet, and we witnessed the final touches being put on the night.

 
I think they cleaned the teleprompters 17 times.

 
We were on FoxNews for the first couple of hours – waving at the grandparents. {as I am reminding the kids the entire time – stand up straight. do not pick your nose. don’t pick your butt. smile! <— ya’ know, the things that moms say.}

We were soon covered by a sea of people behind us, and then it began.

Flags raised: signs waving: music blaring: cameras flashing: crowd cheering.

In walks Romney’s wife, Ann, and members of their family.

She spoke and proudly introduced her husband.

Well, hello, Mary Bono. Fancy seeing you here.

And then, the man of the night …..

 
The energy level in that room was indescribable.

 
Within minutes of the polls closing, Romney was declared the winner of the Florida primary – giving him Florida’s 50 delegates.

Romney and his wife made their rounds and we were some of the luckies who were able to shake hands. We weren’t able to grab an autograph, as they weren’t allowed to stop for long along the front row (I’m guessing to not block cameras).

No autograph was needed.

The experience we had, front row and center, was worth more than any ink on paper. And is definitely a night we will never forget.

As I mentioned, we had tickets to see good ole’ Newt last week, and unfortunately we didn’t make it. The kids have been watching his schedule closely, with hopes he would be back close to us before voting tomorrow.

We ‘heard’ through the grapevine he would probably be back in Sarasota today, but nothing was ever announced.

We had a fieldtrip this morning in Ft. Myers, and then Nicholas had our plans made – we were heading to Orlando to a Newt Gingrich rally at 6p.

As you can see, the boy has no problems traveling across the state to participate in a political event, and obviously believes I don’t either. ha!

Lucky for us, it was announced {very last minute} that Newt would be in Ft. Myers, at Page Field this afternoon. {I tend to think God above was on my side for this one, and knew I didn’t want to drive three hours to Orlando}

When we arrived, there was already a crowd of people and I told the kids we would probably be at the back – but we had actually arrived right. on. time.

Security was calling for 50ish people to stand on each side of the barricade where Newt would enter. Before the man finished explaining what he wanted, the kids were already on the other side.

Security started ‘counting heads’ and stopped the line, but had to let me through when I told them my kids were ‘over there’ – unless of course, they wanted to babysit for the afternoon, while I went to Starbucks for mommy time.

They didn’t even consider.

They let me through.

We knew that Michael Reagan was appearing with Newt, but weren’t aware of the ‘surprise guest’ who also made an appearance….

The one and only Herman Cain. Cain had announced his nine reasons he supports Newt the day before, and spoke of three of them today at the rally.

 
As Newt entered, it was a typical ‘politician makes his way down the line, shaking hands and signing a handful of souvenirs for the crowd’ kind of thing.

 
Nicholas was lucky to have him stop and sign for him as he entered. {which I am hoping now makes up for missing the Sarasota rally last week}

I have to say, Newt Gingrich looks tired. He was very, very quiet prior to giving his speech. (maybe just saving his voice) – but he really seemed exhausted.

Can you imagine keeping his schedule? I am exhausted from just two rallies in two days!

Michael Reagan also made his way for photo opps and signatures. For us, it got even better after the rally. The quiet Newt Gingrich was very talkative and personable – taking time to really talk to the crowd, (and to the kids a few times) Told me he like the color of my shirt. (it was a purple t-shirt, y’all. surely, there’s a better convo starter than that, right??)


I think Nicholas is still on cloud nine. The kids made sure to tell him where we lived and that we were a homeschool family. 

Nicholas also made it a point to tell him he was first in line wanting a change in this presidential election. (although he’ll be at the back of the line for voting rights, seeing he is only 12.) 
  
What the kids weren’t expecting was as much time with Michael Reagan as we received. Nicholas thinks it is just ‘so cool’ that he got to meet the son of Ronald Reagan. (he is his mother’s child)


  
The day turned to be so much more than we ever expected when we first pulled into the parking lot among many-o-cars and people.

No idea how we were able to grab as many siggies, photo opps, and time as we did today, but for it, we are eternally grateful.