A Day at the Capitol

We spent an enjoyable day in Frankfort, Kentucky today (I got this shot of the capitol from Frankfort Cemetery). Isaac attended a luncheon along with other winners across the state for the agriculture poster/essay contest that he entered and won for his age group. I was kind of hoping we could make it a family event, but Matt's schedule simply didn't work out with the trip. And, I didn't want to pull Karson out of school for the day especially since we are out tomorrow and Friday. Isaac's absence was excused and considered academic enhancement.

My dad graciously offered to take us, and we're so glad he did. The event was so very special. I'm glad dad got to be a part of it. Here are the boys on the steps of the Kentucky History Center after we arrived.

Isaac posing next to his poster. It was neat how all the posters were lined up and framed. They also had the posters and essays flashing up on the big screen. Isaac sat at the winners table with kids around his age. **Winners went from kindergarten-12th grade. Every single kid/teen that won was THERE (glad we didn't skip out--we had considered it when Isaac said he didn't want to go initially). That was a total of 24 children.

A delicious lunch provided by local farmers. The food was excellent. Of course, Isaac didn't touch it. I was kind of surprised because it was burgers, macaroni, and potato fries. BUT, I think he may have been a bit nervous and didn't feel like eating. I thought the caramel apples were wonderful but an odd dessert choice at a luncheon. I tried my best to look lady-like as I gnawed into my apple and stringy gooey caramel =).

Isaac posing with commissioner James Comer.

Posing with the group of winners.

And posing with the MAIN reason he came, his check.

Don't you like his blue tongue?

After lunch, we made our way over to the museum which was rich in Kentucky history. The kids went through all the exhibits fairly quickly. It was FREE and very neat.

I planned to take the kids sight seeing but wanted to see what the history museum staff thought would be age appropriate and entertaining for them.

Of course the first SITE was the museum itself--very cool.

SITE TWO: Daniel Boone's Gravesite in Frankfort Cemetery.

I never knew a graveyard could be so fun for kids. The thoroughly enjoyed rolling down the hills.

AND, there's nothing like being at a graveyard and filming a new version of "The Thriller" with Pops singing in the background. Dad and I think this area was the original cemetery or at least it looked incredibly old. The tombs were all broken and dated. There was a iron fence around it that set it off from the other areas of the cemetery. The cemetery itself was huge, but we only made a stop at Daniel Boone's grave.

SITE THREE: Sonic Drive-In for Happy Hour (not recommended by the history center staff, just my own personal experience--a MUST).

SITE FOUR: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife ~ Salato Wildlife Education Center

This place is every little boys dream.

We saw animals. Most of these exhibits were outside (with the exception of the snake(s)). Isaac was all over the place, running here, there and everywhere. I kind of preferred the inside exhibits myself. It was a toasty day.

We learned how to hunt and fish.

We caught some large mouth bass. The fish hatchery area was probably the most interesting area for all three guys =).

SITE FIVE: heading back to Bowling Green. Well we didn't make it to the Governor's Mansion or the Capitol. But, I'm hoping we can come back again sometime in the near future and visit those.

And, I have a piece of Frankfort that came home. All the winners got a potted plant to bring back. Isaac can hardly wait for me to get in the ground.