The kids clowning around at the Museum of Science and Industry

McKenna hanging out in the hotel pool.

CHILLIN' IN THE TWIN CITIES

We left the City of Big Shoulders today (sniff, tears, sniff)! It was the right time to leave, but I was sad nevertheless. I think Robin and the kids were more than happy to leave. We hit the Adler Planetarium this morning, made a couple of quick stops at the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, and swung by my first apartment in Chicago. Then we high-tailed it out of town. We enjoyed a beautiful drive through Wisconsin and made camp in Minneapolis. It's been a good day. Here are a few pics for any who might be interested.

Snap of the family taken from the Adler Planetarium.

The fern room at the Lincoln Park Conservatory; Collin's favorite place in Chicago.

One of Chicago's more attractive residents.

Day 3 - We're Tired! (All except Trent)

Just sitting around watching our cousins - apes.

It was only in the high 70s today but we watched this polar bear with envy in our hearts. He was so cute.

This is all the energy we had after walking around the zoo. "Hurry up bus. Adri won't last long!"

Standing on our heads at the "Bean" in Millenium Park. It is so cool!

The kids enjoying a cool walk at Crown Fountain. It was so fun to hear them giggle - OK, Collin didn't giggle.

We spent today going to Lincoln Park, shopping again at the American Girl Place (Collin and Trent at the Apple Store), and walking around Millenium Park. Adri was tired after the ride to the zoo. We noticed that all of us began to walk with less zip as we meandered throughout. I think we are about ready to go home - of course no one is excited about the drive back. One of the highlights of the day was the CTA bus we were riding on dying in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in Chicago. It blocked two lanes, a cross walk and half an intersection. That was new for Trent. We also got lost in an underground parking, walking, train station thing-a-ma-bob. We laughed and laughed.

AND YET A FEW MORE . . .

I'm beginning to get a little bit cranky looking as the trip goes on.
I've also put on a little weight.
I'm not any brighter now that I'm not a student, either.

A FEW MORE PICS . . .

The aftermath of a car building collision across the street from Mr. Greek Gyros.












The Pilgrimage to Wrigley Field. This could be the magic year.












The girls swimming in the hotel pool.













A Sea Dragon swimming at the Shedd.

DAY 2 -- WHAT A DAY

Let's see . . . We did the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, Mr. Greek's for dinner and a pilgrimage to Wrigley Field -- because the Cubbies are in the postseason. We're tired, tired, tired! But, we're happy (except for Katy, who's whining that she's hungry).

Baby Beluga . . . This little fella' was born less than two months ago. He's a cutie!

The Oceanarium show at the Shedd featured Pacific White-sided Dolphins.

Workin' our way over to the Field Museum of Natural History.

It's Sue, the most complete T-Rex fossil skeleton ever found.

The Grants enjoying Chicago. Taken in front of the Field Museum.