On October 4th, 2011 my class and I got to go on a tour at the Wisconsin State capitol and the state Historical Museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While I was there I learned some really cool facts like the capitol’s dome is the 4th largest in the world and that the Wisconsin capitol has 700 rooms!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Or did you know that on Saturday mornings there is a farmers market around the building?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The WI Capitol
The original Wisconsin capitol was built in Belmont, Iowa.The 2nd capitol was built during 1837 in Madison, Wisconsin. On February, 26, 1904, a gas jet lit a ceiling newly-varnished in the 3rd capitol building. The building did have a fire-fighting system but the reservoir was empty and the building burned down. The 4th Wisconsin capitol was finished being built in 1917 and cost $7.25 million. If the standing capitol was built today, it would cost $2 billion. The capitol is 284 feet, and five inches from the ground floor to the “Wisconsin” statue on top of the dome, making it only 3 feet shorter than the nation’s capitol
The “Wisconsin” statue is 15 feet, 5 inches and weighs 3 tons. Dainel Chester French sculpted the statue “Wisconsin” in 1920.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wisconsin capitol is made from 43 different kinds of stone from 8 states and 6 countries. In the rotunda is marble from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, and Norway, syenite (Labradorite) from Minnesota and limestone and red granite from Waupaca, Wisconsin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite thing to find out that the railing on the inside balcony is from Italy and France. I think it’s cool that there are so many kinds of rock from so many different kinds of places.

A moment ago Ella was playing by the computer while I paid bills.  I glanced over just as she said “Hi Mama, I’m Trotsky” as she bounced her finger puppet covered hand toward me.

Well, in order of how things happened yesterday, here goes the important and big news.

First: the bunk beds showed up and were assembled for the girls. Both girls really like them – however, Ella was found this morning on the floor. She will happily tell you that she fell out of the bunk bed.

Second: After school Meg, Ella my parents and I all drove out to a local farm and picked up 11 little chicks to raise in our backyard. I am pleased to report that all 11 have made it through the night.

And then finally for those of you that know us – we have been pulling for Obama to get through this brutal primary. Looks like he pulled through just fine. I’m proud to be a supporter of his. The energy and poise he shows are just flat out amazing to me – each and every time I see him.

I think that is all the news I have to pass along for now. I am sure there will be more about all of these exciting events in the near future.

Well, we sit here a little earlier than I’d like on a Saturday morning – though it feels like a Wednesday – Holidays are great but they mess with your head – listening to the end of a book and drinking coffee. I love weekends when we don’t have plans. Sarah is off running, and the girls are calm – life is good.

Wow, I really didn’t realize how addictive this could be. Sarah has been obsessing about this for weeks – well the Presbytery website – I mostly just mocked her. Now I think I understand a little better. I have this need to learn what I can to get stuff up on the site and share things with you all – that is if anyone cares to check us out. Anyway, I just thought I would publicly acknowledge my wrong for mocking Sarah in her addiction – now mine too I guess.