Two out of Three

As of this morning, we have visited two of the three building that represent the three branches of government in the United States. We took a Capitol tour in December with AJP’s Cub Scout den and today we had a White House tour.

AJP and BLP in front of the Capitol Building

The Capitol Building

We took this tour early in December. It was interesting to see the walk through the building and see the sights that are so important to our National identity. We saw some of the statues from our favorite states, including Brigham Young from Utah, Chief Washakie from Wyoming, and Samuel Adams from Massachusetts. We saw the original Supreme Court Chambers and the Washington’s empty tomb. We also spent some time under the dome learning about the some of the paintings there. The tour guide did a nice job targeting the tour to the various children there.

This is a stock photo of the White House. I didn't even bring a camera. They weren't allowed.

The White House

We worked through a local contact that works for our congressman and got a reservation to tour the White House. We saw the White House Library, the China Room, the Vermeil Room (a room with a variety of sterling silver items covered in gold). These are all in what they call the Hall of the First Ladies because there are so many portraits of First Ladies that hang there. We then ascended a staircase the East Green Room, followed by the Green Room, the Blue Room (which is oval shaped), the Red Room, and then, finally, the State Dining Room.

All of the rooms were beautiful and have served various functions. The library was at one time a men’s smoking parlor and the Vermeil Room was a woman’s coat check. The East Room has seen everything from boxing matches to a senior prom to concerts. It was a nice pale yellow color. The colored rooms get their name by the color of their decorations. They have served various functions from dining rooms to parlors. The State Dining Room can hold up to 140 invited guests and has a stunning portrait of President Lincoln.

My favorite was the Red Room but I also loved the shape of the Blue Room. BLP liked the China Room and the Red Room. AJP liked the State Dining Room and the Blue Room. I don’t know JTP’s favorites since he met us there from work and had to hurry back before I had a chance to ask him.

Before we went, I was a set up to be a little disappointed because they explained online that visitors really only get to see a few rooms. The truth is that I was not disappointed at all. The rooms were grand but not overstated. It was peaceful and dignified. I was proud that this house is what represents our country to other heads of state.