Tourists In Our Own Town

With nothing on our agenda, coupled with overcast skies, I made it clear that I wanted to leave the house today.  If we didn't, I would be destined to an afternoon on the couch with my Snuggie and cat.  While I drug myself off of the couch (I knew I was destined for a lazy day, because I began it that way) Steven looked into different things we could do and eventually settled on visiting the capitol building.  The girls have never been there and I don't remember the last time I have.  Steven hyped it up by telling the girls of its beautiful castle-like structure and ornate murals.  He had high hopes of taking breathtaking pictures while the girls had a different agenda; running around and exploring every nook and cranny.  Eventually you will see that their different intentions collided. 

Our state capitol

Steven & the girls trekking up the stairs to its entrance.

Excited to see what is just beyond the door.

The girls cooperated long enough to pose for a picture on this floor mural

and in this hallway.

This was one isn't too bad either.

However, after those pictures Madeleine's mood and tolerance for photographs took a sharp turn for the worse.  Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

In her defense, it's not as if I look radiant in this picture either.  However, at least I tried (which is sad if you think about it).  Really though, look at Madeleine's face.  She looks like she is in pain.

Here are a few pictures taken inside of the capitol that I think adequately capture the beautiful architecture and design found within its walls.

As we left the capitol building we came across this water fountain.

While Steven and the girls sat and enjoyed the view, I played around with our camera and its overwhelming amount of settings.

Madeleine found a ladybug.

Then she returned it to its home.

And a few more fountain shots for good measure.

After our brief pit stop at the fountain, we ventured out on a long walk to our favorite ice cream shop, Ivanna Cone.  Steven took pictures along the way.

 This eagle sits on top of a bank.

It was a long walk and both of the girls were troopers.  Knowing that there would be ice cream at the finish line helped.

A few more pictures along the way.  The ice cream shop is located in Lincoln's historic haymarket.

This is some alley art next to an art gallery. 

Finally made it to the ice cream shop!!

Enjoying their reward, the best ice cream in Lincoln.

Just across from the ice cream shop is a quaint bookstore that we have come to love.

A flower we saw on the way back to the van.

We had a great time walking around our city and viewing it through the eyes of a tourist.