We had a very busy day yesterday, but it was very nice. My parents were here for the day, and we filled it up.
My parents brought Daisy with them. The girls had a great time playing with her.

We started out going to Lowes and the girls made pirate ships. They each got a certificate and new badge for their aprons.

Then we went to the Oregon Capitol building. There was a fire a couple of weeks ago in the building, so we were concerned that we might not be able to see much. There were some areas that were not accessible, but a lot of it was open.
I live in Salem, Oregon, which is the state capitol. I work for the State of Oregon, but I have only been in the capitol once for a brief meeting. Today my parents were here and we went for a tour of the capitol. It was pretty cool.
When you enter the lobby, you enter the rotunda. If you look up, you can see this. There are 33 stars because Oregon is the 33rd state.

We took the elevator to the fourth floor and then climbing 121 steps to the top of the capitol. We climbed a normal stairway part way and then crossed over the rotunda and climbed a spiral staircase the rest of the way. We were very close to the golden pioneer. We were so close that it was hard to get a good picture of him. The angle was off.

The girls thought it was very cool to be able to see the YMCA from the top.

They were loving their papa.

We went back inside and started back down the 121 steps (did I mention it’s 121 steps to the top?) back to the fourth floor. Here is Emmy standing on top of the rotunda you saw earlier.

We went downstairs and looked at the House of Representatives chamber.

The architecture is amazing, and the artwork is inspiring, but we can’t be too serious can we?

They went sliding down the banister.
Next to the Capitol building is a park with the walk of flags, a great fountain, and some cute statues and landscaping.
The Beaver is the state animal of Oregon.

After we were done at the Capitol and went for lunch at my favorite El Salvadoran place, we headed over for a ride at the Riverfront Carousel and a romp in the park.
Next up - a nap.