The Dome!

Matt got us on a GREAT tour at the US capital. I guess this is a very rare tour and not very many people EVER get to do it. The senator himself has to take you up and Senator Lee took us up and then he had to leave. We had a tour guide the rest of the way. Many stairs and more!

1. The Rotunda floor - picture on the left is where special events are held like the viewing of presidents lying in state. Viewings.

2. From the top of the dome to the Rotunda floor is 180 feet and we went all the way to the top and walked around the outside of the dome. ,

3. The Dome is fire proof-it is all made of cast iron weighing 8,909,200 pounds.

4. The painting inside the round part was painted by Allyn Cox, it traces America's history from the landing of Columbus to the birth of aviation.  

 Mike the tour guide and Matt & Raquel.

 Here we are in the top of the Dome!

 Here is the painting called Apotheosis of George Washington. It had 6 allegorical groups. War, Science, Marine, Commerce, Mechanics, Agriculture. It was fabulous-painted by Constantino Brumidi. He did in on his back and standing with his hands in the air. CRAZY!

 Mark and I on the top looking over the Washington Monument. It was the best view EVER!

 Matt and Raquel- we had Ellen James (the Senators personal Sec) keep Miss Caroline for us so we could take the tour. THANK YOU!

One Happy Family!

Matt is his element-loving his job. He works for Senator Lee at the Hart building on Capitol Hill.

Washington DC. Go Matt!