State Capital

While Brent was working in Sacramento, I decided to take the kids to the State Capital Building for the free tour. You know, try to expose them to educational experiences. We walked up the street from our hotel, and I have to say, it was quite an impressive structure. Hard to believe it was built in 1860-1874.



Check out that door! That's quite an entrance. Everything about the construction was impressive to me. Maybe it's because our 60 year old house seems to be falling apart. But more on details later.

When we got into the building (after passing through a thorough security screening) everyone kept telling us we should go stand in a particular hallway. Turns out Governor Schwarzenegger was there that day signing something and holding a press conference. I was unsure - the kids had been cranky and the thought of standing and waiting with 3 testy kids did not sound appealing. But fortunately, about 3 minutes later, the door opened and out walked the Govenator.

This wasn't using the zoom. We were that close. Nate got to shake his hand, but Sarah didn't get her hand out in time.

After the tour, we stopped by his office, but he had already left.

Following are some pictures from the building. No wonder it took 14 years to build the capital. Look at the workmanship.

The domed ceiling.

The floor of the California House of Representatives.

Detailed carving on the staircase.

Doorknob. What if my doorknobs looked like this?


Mosiac tilework in the hallway. Different hallways had different colors and designs. I LOVE mosiac tiles.

Stained glass seal of California.

Sidenote: Nate went to scout camp earlier this summer and worked on the "Citizenship in the Nation" merit badge. Visiting the state capital (and the tall ships in San Francisco) fulfilled one of the requirements. His friends had to write an essay in place of visiting historical sites. We had fun AND have finished one required merit badge on the path to Eagle Scout.