Chicago Weekend Day 2

After another huge breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and headed into downtown Chicago to visit the Shedd Aquarium. As we walked up to the museum, I was surprised to see an incredibly long line that snaked out the door. Why were there so many people there at 10 am on a random February Sunday morning? Surprsie! It was a special rate day for Chicago residents - but not us. So we had to put up with exceptionally big crowd and still pay the full price :( Oh well! We decided to go for the whole experience package that enabled us to see all of the exhibits, the dolphin show, and the 4D Dora movie. We were not disappointed! Thanks Ken and Kathy for talking us into it!

It was c-c-c-cold waiting to get in!

But at least the sun was shining brightly over the beautiful Chicago skyline.

The gang checking out the beautiful view of Lake Michigan from the aquarium.

The girls' favorite part were the sea otters. They though it was so funny to see them roll around in the water and rub their bellies!

Not the best picture, but the dolphin show seats had a gorgeous view of the lake!

Jon, Delaney, and Alina waiting for the dophin show to begin.

Harper made it through about the first 10 minutes, then ended up falling asleep in my arms. I was a little sad that she missed the show, but happy that she was able to get some rest.

I can't remember what Uncle Ken and Delaney are doing here, but it was right after they got to touch a sea star.

Jon entertains Harper while we wait to get into the Dora movie.

Harper looks like such a big girl in her own seat with her 3D glasses on. A 4D movie is supercool because the seats shake, they blow bubbles into the air, you can feel the wind on your face, and they even squirt you with water! We all loved it!

At one point the whole audience was reaching out their hands trying to catch the butterflies that seemed to be inches from our faces.

The Jellies was a special exhibit and my favorite part (besides the beautiful white Beluga whale).

This is the underside of a particular species of jellyfish. I had to take a picture because it reminded me of a Chihuly installation (one of my favorite artists).

At about 3:00, we headed for home. The trip was easy except for stinker Harper refused to go potty in her pull-up even though we gave her special permission to. She said, "Big girls don't go potty in their pull-ups!" She's right and she won. We pulled into a gas station so I could run her inside to potty.

On the way home Delaney summed up the trip by saying, "I love Chicago and I'm so glad I got to be with my family and meet some new friends!" I hope she is always such a willing and happy traveler!

A couple of funny comments from the girls about the wedding:

Harper was disappointed that there was only one "white" girl (bride) in the wedding. She thought that all of the bridesmaids should be wearing white dresses, too.

Delaney thought that the whole church (walls, floor, pews, everything) were going to be bright white. She didn't care for the brown walls and floor.

Allan and I can't wait to go back when it's warmer to explore more of the city with the girls!!