We're off to Chicago for the day!

Amber and I love to plan! So we decided it would be a great adventure to go to Chicago for the day. I must say first of all, that I am SO glad we borrowed my parents suburban for the day. Our car does not have air and it would have been MISERABLE! So thanks Mom and Dad! (I'll try not to get jealous!)
Our first stop was the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's "technically" free to go, but if you drive you have to pay for parking. What a cute zoo! All the attractions were very close and there was always something to do or look at. Unlike the Detroit Zoo where you have to walk 3 miles to find something! The only problem was that it was HOT! So, all the animals were sleeping or in their caves. We kept joking that the kids had more fun going through the water jets, climbing in a jungle gym, and watching a juggler! Oh yeah, and we saw a few animals!









Caleb did great throughout the day! At this point, he was a little hot, tired, and hungry!










I think giraffes are one of my favorite animals! They are so cool looking and quiet!










After the zoo we drove to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. You would think that the kids would LOVE that place. I do! It is such a fun place to eat! Well..I forgot that my kids are afraid of thunderstorms. And what do they have simulated every few minutes....thunderstorms! They also were afraid that the animals on the wall were going to eat them. At this point of the day, the kids were hot, tired, and starving! And so were the adults! I think my girls cried through most of the meal, but after they got some food in their bellies they seemed to do a little better!
After dinner we went to the parking garage to get our cars. Those of you who have been to Chicago know where this is going I'm sure. We thought we were only going to have to pay $13 for parking if we got our ticket validated. Well.... Rainforest did not validate tickets so we ended up paying $25 for parking! Yeah..we'll know for next time!

All in all it was a FABULOUS day! The kids did great for the most part and it was an adventure to go just for the day. We got home at 12:15am but it was nice to not have to pack half the house to stay over night somewhere! I would do it again in a heartbeat! We had a great time with our good friends!