Chicago happenings

Hello all you land lubbers, here is a list of things we have enjoyed since moving to Chicago.

1, Last Thursday Jackson and mom spent a whole afternoon at Navy Pier. The Tall Ships were in town and we couldn't pass up the opportunity for a few peeks. Jackson loved the ships, but really loved the kids stage, creamsickles (ice cream with orange slush), his sword balloon, and getting to steer the ship (kind of). We met a pirate and he made Jackson this sweet sword but about 10 minutes later the sword popped. It was very humorous and sad all at the same time. The rest of the afternoon Jackson would randomly say "balloon broke". Mom tried her hardest to find that pirate and get another one ... no luck. Arrrrgh! The lines were ridiculously long to get on the ships but near the end of our afternoon at the Pier we got on one with no wait. It was awesome! Jackson loved it so much he started climbing the side of the ship. I had to put a stop to it and we ultimately got off, which made us mad. We got over it because we rode the free trolley back to our parking lot (and mom let Jackson ride it the long way to our car). At every stoplight Jackson would say "more choo choo" or "more ride" or "more drive". Well, I'd say the parking fee was worth it ... look at all these great shots (and I have more!).

 

2,  Agora by Magdelena Abakanowicz. About 3 weeks ago we spent a Saturday morning visiting the south end of Grant Park in Chicago. The large statues were fun for about 20 minutes and then we ran off to see the big horse statue (not of President Grant but of John Logan - I think a senator that founded Memorial Day???? We'll leave that up to Grandpa Dan or Uncle Andy to solve). No pictures of the horse ... it is huge!

3, Today we took the Metra downtown to Millennium Park (north side of Grant Park this time). We had a blast waiting for the train. How many times can a kid say "more choo choo"? A lot! We loved our first trip to Millennium Park. After seeing the Cloud Gate, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the gardens (one of my fav photos below), and the Wrigley Square, we stopped by the family festival tent. I guess all summer (daily) Target sets up a kid friendly area equipped with activities and live music. We heard the Wiggleworms and played some corn hole and Jackson skooled mom in hula hoop. This time on the way home via the train Jackson would say "choo choo wait" or "chain wait" before the train left the station. He is so awesome!

  

4, We've gone to the Lincoln Park Zoo (the free zoo) twice now. I have to say the zoo is beautiful - the landscape and architecture is amazing, especially with the backdrop of the city. Now this is where I might get a few grumbles but here it goes - the zoo (in terms of animals) is not impressive. For being in Chicago, the space is great but where are the animals? People were crowded around an exhibit so we rushed over to see the activity. Guess what we found? Just guess? People were getting crazy over DEER. Tony and I found ourselves bored (both times!). Even the carousel is lousy. But we are comparing it to the restored one at Como in St. Paul, so maybe that isn't fair. With that said Jackson's favorite part by far is the statue of the gorillas. On our last visit two weekends ago, Jackson noticed a train ride for small kids. We watched, he wanted to ride, we said "are you sure?", he nodded yes, he got in, he was happy, the train started, mom and daddy waved with excitement, he cried, he cried hard, the train stopped, he said "bye, bye choo choo chain". The End. 

5, Of course we have already been to the beach, Adler Planetarium, local playgrounds galore, the university pool, found a little produce shop (since mom dislikes the other grocery options), and much more. Next up? Gosh, where to start. Buckingham Fountain, Field Museum, Science and Industry (ah yes, since it is practically in our backyard), a Packer game at Soldier Field (ah yeah right, like me can score those tickets). Suggestions are welcomed but we won't make any promises!

Here we are - our little family!!!