From there we decided to visit the Indiana Statehouse since Sam has never been. We took our sweet old time about it, and finally got there at 3pm...a half hour after the last tour. Grrr. Well, we simply decided to walk around for ourselves, and as we were at the Senate chambers, lo and behold here comes a tour group! So Sam and I simply mixed in with a bunch of French folks, and got a nice overview of the Senate from the inside. This was the end of the tour, but I really wanted Sam to see the floor of the House, but the tour guide wouldn't help...guess she had to get home and watch TV (I could be VERY rude right now...but this is a family blog). Best part - she told us that the gallery was open and we could see the House from up there. Nope. Class act.
Okay, now what to do? Guess what...we found ANOTHER tour group...this time Chinese folks, so we latched on to them. We got to see the Supreme Court room, which was a bit laborious since the translator kept interrupting. Well, that was the end of THAT tour, and yet again I asked this guide if she could help us with the House floor. This guide, named Jennifer, gladly obliged and took us to the floor and even answered questions. But she wasn't done. Next we headed to the State Treasurer's office, and then to the Auditor's office. All along Jennifer was providing great bits of information about the building. She was fantastic, and then gave us some very helpful advice about the governor...that when he leaves he will talk to those waiting outside his office.
Now we assumed the roles of loiterers. We hung outside the governor's office for a few minutes, and it was just after 4pm. I was on the borderline of just saying let's get going, when lo and behold (again), here came the governor himself! He had to plain-clothes policedudes on either side of him, and we started towards him while he was swiftly looking to leave. He noticed us somewhat warily, but we obviously didn't pose a threat so he stopped. I asked to take a picture with Sam, and he did so. Afterwards he began some small talk with Sam about the Indians and Pacers. Talk about serendipity at its finest! He then left us, and Sam was elated to say the least...but I think I was even more giddy about it.
Okay, now I'm walking on air, and we get back to the hotel to swim. But Sam doesn't want to swim, so off to the Circle Center for dinner. We made a pit stop by Lucas Oil Stadium to inquire about tours, then off to the mall. Had myself a Chick 'fil a sandwich...first time. Not too shabby. From here back to the hotel to get our stuff, and off to the game.
I asked another planning colleague of mine, Shane, to join us for the game. He said sure and met us at the centerfield gate at the start. We eventually made our way to a nice area in the shade, and hunkered down. It was in the upper deck which afforded us a wonderful view of the skyline. The game was great - an extra-inning affair with the Indians winning 7-6 on a 12th inning walk-off single. Good times.
Afterwards Sam wanted to get some autographs so we scampered around to the car area. There were some other fans (geeks) out there with baseball cards and like waiting for players too. Sam captured a bunch of signatures, and even a couple of major leaguers too. I didn't know it but a former Minnesota Twin, Kevin Slowey, started the game for the opponents. After lingering for quite some time (and after I was done with Angry Birds), we made our way back to the hotel, ready to tackle another day of memories ahead.
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