field trip

Last week we attended another K12 field trip, this time to our state capitol. The last time I was in the capitol building was in high school during Jr. Prom--ugh, some twenty years ago. Since then it's been completely renovated and secured against earthquakes, etc. Apparently they also peeled off layers of old paint to reveal some of the original colors and architecture--it is an amazingly beautiful building. The tour lasted about 2 hours and thankfully my kids were extremely well behaved given that my 2 and 5 year olds didn't get much out of it. Sarah had fun learning about the "3 ring circus" of government (even at the state level) and how laws are made with our check and balance system.

Utah State Capitol

Emma and Sarah with the K12 group and our tour guide explaining about the chandelier.

Looking from the House of Reps side through the rotunda to the Senate side.

The antique chandelier and the artwork depicting Brigham Young and the pioneers.

There's hundreds of these dinner plate size flowers decorating the arches, all carved from marble.

In the four corners of the rotunda are these bronze statues--this was my favorite.

The Governor's ceremonial office.

Sarah and Emma looking on (with a smirk) to the area below...


...the house of representatives floor. We also saw the Senate floor and the Utah Supreme Court Chambers. All quite impressive.