Whirlwind Trip to Windy City

There is A LOT to see in Chicago.  We tried to pack in as much as possible during our quick trip to visit Shelly and Zack (who were there for a conference.)

Brielle and I took the train from East Lansing to Chicago Monday Morning and came back Wednesday afternoon.  Because we would be on foot and taking the bus I tried to pack as light as possible, which meant I was not very well prepared to keep a toddler busy and distracted on a train ride.  We walked up and down the train over and over again during each 4 1/2 hour train ride.  Ellie's favorite thing was to point out everyone that was sleeping. 

Watching the dairy cows at the Farm (at Lincoln Park).

Ellie is really into tractors right now.  She was SO excited about the chance to drive the tractor at the Farm.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory

At the Lincoln Park Zoo.  We saw the tigers, giraffes, lions, seals, bears, snakes, etc.  The only picture we had of us though happens to be at this exhibit with not much to see.  You can see the turtle and fish behind us.  There was also monkey's climbing around above our heads.

We got to the top of the Sears Tower at the perfect time to watch the sunset.  It was beautiful!

Brielle with her Aunt Shelly at Sears Tower.

Alder's Planetarium.  Our favorite part was the heat sensor wall, we enjoyed watching ourselves dance in front of it until closing time.

There is a great hands-on room at the Field Museum.  Brielle was long past due for a nap, but when she saw all the fun things to do she forgot all about sleep and started playing.  She then immediately fell asleep when we left the kid area so Shelly and I could enjoy the rest of the 9-acre culture-filled museum.

The Shedd Aquarium has a lot to see.  I loved watching the diver feed the fish, seeing the eels , turtles and thousands of kinds of fish.  There was also a really great pet show where they brought in trained dogs and showed how they are similar to training the dolphins.  Brielle's favorite part of the aquarium was stirring the fake eggs set up at the toddler exploration area.

The Crystal Gardens Atrium at Navy Pier

View of Chicago from Navy Pier

We also enjoyed some window shopping along the Magnificent Mile (including the the American Girl Store), going in to the haunted Water Tower, the Museum of Stained Glass Windows,  and lots of bus rides and walking.  

The best part of going the Chicago this time of  year...the museums were all free!!  There was a lot more to do, but not enough time.  We'll have to plan to go back again sometime.