Springfield Illinois, or I Heart Lincoln

So earlier this year Courtney and I read Team of Rivals, and became HUGE Lincoln fans.  That man is about the only historical figure who actually lives up to the hype and myth that surround historical figures.  Washington, eh.  Jefferson, ugh.  Lincoln, yes.  He was an amazing man, politician, and leader.  Anyway, for this reason Courtney and I made sure a stop in Springfield was on the agenda so we could pay homage to our history crush.  It was a great decision.  Our first stop was his home, which has been very well preserved.  It has been open to the public since not very long after his death, so it is very much the same as when he lived there.  The whole neighborhood has been preserved and it was very cool.  There was a man who plays Lincoln and has been for years and he did an amazing job.  We heard him deliver a couple of re-created speeches and were told he has studied hard for his role.  It was cool.  We followed Lincoln in a parade past the Lincoln/Herndon law offices to the Old Capitol building where the man re-created Lincoln's farewell speech.  There was quite a funny and long bit about those Mormon's that made Courtney and me chuckle.  After we found dinner at a fun Italian place that felt very mafiaish but had terrible food.  And then, those tricky kids, looked at their Auntie Courtney and asked if she was in the mood for ice cream, and so we ended up at Cold Stone, her treat.  Those kids know her too well!  It was a great day.

 The actual room and sofa Lincoln was on when he got word that he had received the nomination at the Chicago convention:

 Lincoln singer's bringing a bit of a festive feel to the place: