For everyone else today is Valentine’s Day. For Oregonians it’s our state’s birthday–157th to be exact. Yesterday the hubby and I headed over to the capitol to celebrate (did I mention free cupcakes?) There were a lot of fun events for kids, but since our kids are grown (mostly) we walked around, enjoying the building and fiddle music. Old buildings are interesting and beautiful.

I did snap a few photos of the special event, however:

Here’s my hubby trying to hitch a ride in a covered wagon.

hitching a ride on the Oregon trail

They aren’t very big on the inside.

cramped quarters

More room on the outside of the wagon!

An awesome John McLoughlin!

Of course, the state seal

Happy Birthday, Oregon!

S. Smith is the author of the awesome and award-winning middle grade/YA series, Seed Savers. Visit her Facebook and Pinterest pages. Follow her on Twitter. Sign up for the newsletter!