State Capitol

Chandler is our history bug and ever since his trip to the state capitol with his 4th grade class he has been begging us to go back. So we took a day during spring break to go. It turned out more awesome than Chandler could imagine. He chatted happily relaying facts he had learned on his previous tour as we looked around. (We missed the guided tour by 9 minutes.) When we got to the 3rd floor we were able to look in the House of Representative room, but the court and senate floors were closed. Then out of curiosity, Grandpa Waddoups peeked his head in the Senate receptionist office and asked if Michael Waddoups was in (he is Jerry's nephew and the President of the Senate.) It wasn't likely as the senate meets from January to March, but as luck would have it, Michael had come into town to meet with the ambassador from Denmark that morning and was just heading out. He kindly gave us a back room tour. The kids got to sit at the Senate President's chair, see the reception area for official visitors, go in his office, the Republican caucus room and the Supreme Court. It was exciting for all of us, but thrilling for Chandler.

This is on the senate floor. Tessa on the President's chair. Chandler on the President's chair. The kids, except Greta, as supreme court justices.In Michael's office. . . . Chandler's teacher wasn't up to date on who the President of the Senate is and told the class that it was Senator Valentine. Chandler tried to convince him otherwise, but without success. So now he has proof! Michael signed a "Utah State Senate" ruler, gave him a business card and posed in a picture for him. Just because they are both so cute!

One final little story from our visit that impressed me. . . .Jerry asked Michael if he was going to seek reelection. He said he wasn't. He told about talking with someone in the missionary department at the church a few days previous and told him that he wanted to go on a mission. This man was very excited and said, "I think I can get you a really good public relations mission." Michael said to him, "Oh, no, I listened to Elder Rasband's talk in conference *very* carefully. It is the First Presidency who assigns the missions. I will serve where ever they assign me."

(And now I can say that I know Michael Waddoups to everyone who asks me if we're related!)