Our first stop was the Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts. Our tour began clear up at the top in the press box, where we could see the entire stadium through the magnified glass. Down the hall from there were all the offices of those who run the scoreboard, the PA system, the video screen, the time clock, you name it, it was there. There was even a door for the "Home Coach." My favorite sign outside one of the doors read, "Instant Replay....Positively No Visitors." From the top of the stadium, we worked our way down level by level. At stops along the way, we sat in the stadium seats and listened as our guide pointed out the various aspects of the stadium. One thing that amazed me (even from the second level up) was how little and hard to see the ball was as we watched some guys shooting baskets down on the court.
Here we are standing on where the field would be if it wasn't covered up.
On the lower level, of course, the thrill was to walk down the visiting team's tunnel and out onto the field. In preparation for the NCAA tournament, however, the football field was covered up with protective flooring, bleachers and a basketball court. Even so, we were able to see and feel a little corner of the end zone turf. We were surprised on how shaggy the turf was.
After leaving the field, we went into the visiting team's locker room. The room was huge, with yellow walls and blue lockers. No decals adorned the walls. It was, in fact, very plain. Off that, behind a curtained-off area, we entered the shower room. Before I was even into the room, Megan came out to report to me that the "showers are all together." She wasn't so sure about that!
This was at the end of our tour of Lucas Oil Stadium, and Leah had had enough walking!!! Notice her delightful countenance?! 
After the stadium tour and lunch in the parking lot, we headed to the Indiana State House.
While sitting on the marble floor, we learned all about the history of our State's capitol building - where it was first located, what materials were used in building it, and the fact that it took ten years to build. The inside of every part of the building, from floor to ceiling (including both), was absolutely beautiful. Even the restroom was nicely kept up!
While sitting on the marble floor, we learned all about the history of our State's capitol building - where it was first located, what materials were used in building it, and the fact that it took ten years to build. The inside of every part of the building, from floor to ceiling (including both), was absolutely beautiful. Even the restroom was nicely kept up!In the Senate Chambers, we were only able to walk through it as the guide talked about what goes on when the Senate is in session. From there we went to the Court of Appeals courtroom, and here we got to sit in the original wooden chairs as the guide explained the appealing process, gave bios of the Justices and Chief Justice, and told us about the chandelier in that room - one that cost $1 a pound and weighed 1500 pounds. As we exited the room, a plaque above the door with the inscription, "In God We Trust," caught my eye.
The five Justices pictured on the wall above the robe are those who currently sit on the bench.
The five Justices pictured on the wall above the robe are those who currently sit on the bench.
Leah sitting in the House of Representatives. 
Our tour of the State House ended at the House of Representatives. Once again, we were allowed to sit at the desks and in the chairs where the representatives sit. Grace was stationed in the front row at the very desk of our local Representative. While both Megan and Grace were on the Republican side of the room, Leah, Beth, and I sat on the side of the Democrats. 
Like all the other rooms, this room was full of beautiful detail as well. The chandelier had 100 candle lights, the exact number of Representatives, and had the nickname, "The spider." The mural on the front wall illustrated three details: how Indiana earns its money (agriculture), its statehood, and how it spends its money -- very interesting. A highlight in this room was seeing our name "Gutwein" in the board listing all the Representatives. (Although a distant cousin, still fun to see.)
A view of the Civil War Monument from the State House. 
The girls and I climbed the 330 steps up inside this monument and had a good view of downtown Indy from the very top. That was the most steps I have ever done at one time, but the view from the top was well worth the climb!
The Civil War Museum was just a block or so from the State House, so we couldn't miss that. Since we are currently immersed in the study of the Civil War, it was the perfect time to visit this museum. The films, the artifacts, the surgical instruments, the flags, and all the displays made everything we've studied seem so real.
This regimental flag was carried by a Civil War flag bearer. They said its position is much like it might have been as the flag bearers waited for orders to march on or to charge into battle.
Once outside the city, we stopped for dinner (at about 8:00 p.m.). Sitting around the table at Wendy's I asked each one what their favorite part of the day was. While the Colts' stadium was a highlight, each one had a difficult time coming up with a "favorite" part. Everything was so good! It was a fun 16-hour day.
~Wee
2 comments:
Wow! You ladies have some stamina! That Leah must be a real champ.
What a wonderful day you all had! Thanks for giving us a peak of all you were able to see and do. A few years back we were also studying the Civil War. If you get the chance (and haven't done so yet), the new Lincoln museum in Springfield, IL is really neat.
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