Chi-Town (Chicago)

We just got back from our mini-vacation to Chicago. We had a lot of fun!!!! We left Friday afternoon to drive to Oakbrook to spend the night. We got there about 6pm. We checked in to our hotel and then went to dinner. We ate at J. Alexander's. It was yummy! We usually eat there when we go to Oakbrook. Then we went back to the hotel so Hayden and Ava could go swimming. They had a blast! We woke up early Saturday morning to drive downtown Chicago. Our plan for the day was to go to the Shedd Aquaririum. We got there when it opened up (great timing). It was raining most of the day so we were wet when we got to the aquaririum. That didn't spoil our fun. They got to see a lot of fish, a dolphin show, beluga whales and a 4-D Spongebob movie. We got the experience of bubbles, wind, water in our faces, poked in the back, and the smell of pickles. The only problem was the sound wasn't working. Hayden loved it anyway (We got a refund). After the aquaririum we went to Navy Pier. We walked around, had ice cream, rode the huge Ferris Wheel, and rode the carousel. Then we drove to our hotel for the night. We had a great location and Brian payed extra for our view (see picture). Then we took a taxi ride (Hayden and Ava loved that) to eat at The Rainforest Cafe. We had great food and enjoyed the atmosphere. When we got back to the hotel we took walk to a bakery and got some goodies. We got in our pajamas and ate our goodies. Hayden and Ava were so tired from all the walking so they went right to bed. We took our time in the morning and ate breakfast at our hotel and then left for home ( I had to work Sunday night). I should mention that our rock star (Hayden) went to the bathroom all weekend with no accidents. I guess he is officially potty trained (FINALLY!!!!).

Just a cute recent picture!

Eating at J. Alexander's. He was being goofy with french fries

And so was Ava

Daddy joined in on the fun, too

Swimming at the hotel pool

They enjoyed the hot tub

They got to go for a little ride

Eating breakfast at McDonald's on Saturday morning

Looking at the fish

Watching the beluga whale

Waiting for the 4-D movie

At Navy Pier

The Ferris Wheel (I was scared!!!)

On the Ferris Wheel

Ferris Wheel

Our view from our hotel room

Our hotel had a walkway over a road (Ava chose the pose)

In the taxi

Ava being silly at The Rainforest Cafe

Daddy and Hayden at the restaurant

Eating cookies from the bakery

Eating breakfast Sunday morning in our hotel

They gave us smoothies and Hayden and Ava drank two each

Ava thought they were delicious!