Over the years that I've been coming to Pierre, I've always been so impressed with the fact legislators often have their children join them for a couple days during session.

I wanted to share a personal story as a proud dad and someone that misses his children.  Already our weeks have been quite full.  So Wendy and I, made the decision to let our boys come to Pierre.  We wanted to spend a couple days hanging out, just us guys.

It worked nicely that several kids were here.  This is a great place for 'investigative' minds.  Many stairways, lots of 'secret' passgaes.  So many different places to check-out.  Especially for 11 and 6 year old boys.

We had a great time.  But I wanted to share with you a story that points to the important role we all have in teaching 'up' our children.  Things like teaching our kids it's very important they are respectful when meeting adults.  Proper introduction, "It's nice to meet you Mr(s.)...., my name is ..."  We talked a little about eye contact, firm handshake, and of course smiling. 

It was to my amazement that our boys' reported last night, "We met Governor Rounds."  My heart rate jumped!!  What and how in the world did you get that done, I asked.

"Yeah dad, Tristan (Rhoden) said 'hey there is the Governor, but we need to wait to go up and meet him until he is done visiting."  So what did you do? I asked. 

"Oh, Dad, I just walked up and put out my hand and said, Hi Governor Rounds my dad is CH, my name is Cole." (6yrs.)  "Hi I'm Jake."  (11)

This was fun to see what they did totally on their own , but I'm also proud they took it upon themselves.  Do you suppose they got into any mischief?