Chicago, Part Two

One of our very best experiences was a behind-the-scenes visit to the Shedd Aquarium arranged b y my Uncle Roger. Wow! He also knew the parking situation like the back of his hand.

Amazing things to look at while waiting for our host.

Ken Ramirez, an animal behavior expert and VP of animal collections and training, greeted us in full regalia!

We saw sea lions and otters, but the big moment was getting to pet the pouffy tops of beluga's heads, and see them interact so intimately and intelligently with their buddy Ken.



Which is more attractive, the real live jellies (amazing!) or the little push-button game? Depends on your point of view.

We got the very last popcorn at the end of the day, which we attributed to Grandpa Mark's intervention! When we were here at the Shedd last, GM was still around, and Theo was not quite two. Theo's favorite "exhibit" that first visit was the popcorn machine, which GM got a kick out of!

And Ira's favorite exhibit! :)

Another nod to Grandpa Mark: the last tank we looked in had a big head of lettuce for the fish. "Let us eat lettuce!"

Medieval Times...us and 40 busloads of school kids whooping it up!




Goodbye, Medieval Castle!

Legoland was the next dream stop. For our Lego-loving boys it did not disappoint.




One station gave instructions for building a unit of these large figure they have everywhere. Here Adam and Theo are making part of a scarecrow, in model size here, and life-size below.


There were nice areas for toddlers and Duplos, too.

The Museum of Science and Industry was another highlight.





On the final morning I was a bit tired out, so I took a nap while the others scaled the
Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.




Home again digging into our family's first Duplos. Theo also spent days completing a big complex Lego set, and Adam worked with his Play-Doh and Pixos machines.

Putting together these few pictures, I am flooded with the lovely memories. What an amazing gift to our family!!!