It’s finally time for me to share the rest of our Chicago trip with you. If you’ll remember, a few weeks ago, we went on an Adventure to the Shedd Aquarium.
We had so much fun exploring, seeing the special Amphibians Exhibit, and watching the show. We were actually pretty tired by the end of our time there at the Shedd, but we were only in Chicago for one night, so we wanted to make the most of it.
We headed out of the Museum, and straight to Millennium Park. If you’re not familiar with Chicago, it’s a huge park with a tons of art exhibits, a stage for outdoor music, gardens, and a giant silver structure (aka The Bean.) The first part we hit was the giant water fountains that the kids are allowed to run through.
Not only is water coming up through sprinklers in the ground, but there’s two giant walls of water on each side.
The kids had a blast. They took off their shoes, rolled up their pants, and ran around…like all the others of children. Luckily, they were all dressed alike, so we could spot them.
It was really hot and humid, and I almost wanted to go in. Almost.
We then headed up to see “The Bean.” The Bean is a giant silver structure that looks like, well, a Bean.
The Sculpture is actually called Cloud Gate (which I didn’t know until now.) From Wikipedia: Cloud Gate is a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, that is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Parkin the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois.
The kids also had fun with it. They liked touching it, looking at themselves in it, and running around it.
By that time, it was getting late into the afternoon, and everyone was hot and thirsty. We headed back toward our hotel, and stopped to get some lemonade. Luckily, we picked a spot right under the train, so that kept them occupied while we had a little rest.
Once at the hotel, I got the kids all changed and into Jammies, propped them up in the bed for a little PBS, and Daddy got ready to do a little work.
Why isn’t mommy in the picture? Did I forget to mention that Chicago has some of the best shopping and our hotel was located right near one of the best spots?!?!
There are two main areas downtown that are huge shopping destinations. One is Michigan Avenue and the other is State Street. Our hotel happened to be a few blocks from State Street, so after everyone was settled, I went for a little retail therapy.
I also picked up dinner and a few supplies. There’s a Target right downtown!
We all ate, watched some silly game show on TV, then this happened…
Needless to say, I didn’t get very much sleep and neither did Dad, but the kids all slept great.
They were all up bright and early at 6 am the next morning, so we packed up, and headed out to find breakfast. We ate in a nice outdoor spot where we couldn’t disturb anyone else, then headed to the train station to get home.
We all got seats together on the way home, which was nice…but we were all tired and cranky. Luckily, we got home right in time for nap time….for everyone!
Even though it was a short visit, we really enjoyed our Chicago trip.
Have you been to Chicago? What’s your favorite thing to do while you’re there?
Chicago looks gorgeous! Sadly, I’ve never visited. I’ve always wanted to see the big Bean.
Mikayla | A Seersucker State of Mind.
Come visit!
Yay! So glad you had a great time in Chicago! Too funny because I live in Chicago and went to school is Wisconsin (where I double majored in dance and accounting until I dropped the dance major… whoops, but I was a dance teacher in Madison for 5 years) which is where you are from!
That IS funny. I majored in Dance while I was there too. Maybe we crossed paths…although I’m guessing you’re younger than me 🙂
I was In the dance program from 2007 to about 2009
Yes…I was there a lot earlier. We’ll just leave it at that 😉
We love Chicago. My brother lives there and we love taking the train to visit him.
Awesome. We should meet up sometime!
That would be great! I’m only a couple hours away from Chicago. Maybe over a cuppa tea? ‘)
Yes! Perfect! 🙂
We love Chicago! The water walls are amazing. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Thanks for reading!
Sounds like a wonderful place to be. Looks like you guys had a good time!
That looks like such a fun day! I love that they could run around and play in the water. And that picture of them all sleeping is just too precious 🙂
Thank you!
I’ve been to Chicago a bunch of times, once with my kids. We rode the double decker bus all over and the kids totally loved it. I’ve mostly gone for my birthday with friends and did it the weekend they dye the river green. I’m not Irish but man, it is a ton of fun and hopefully I’ll bring my kids to see it one year!
We’ll have to meet up there some time!
I was just in Chicago a few weeks ago!! We also did the same stuff as you! My favorite part was getting deep dish pizza!
Yum! We missed that this time, but I had it the last time I was there.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Chicago. Your post makes me want to go back! I love the sleeping kids photo. Super cute!
Thank you Theresa.
Chicago seems great. So many fun places to visit! 🙂
I was “made in Chicago,” LOL! I would love to visit there some day, as does my hubby! This adventure for the family looks amazing! Pinned!
Too funny. Thank you!
Sounds like you had a lot of fun, and made some great memories 😀
The hubs was born in Chicago, but we’ve never been. I’m afraid of flying and he says I’m crazy if I think he’s driving up there :).
Great pics Shann! You boys are so cute. I love the matching pj’s!
Cori
I really hate flying too. Maybe someday you’ll convince him to drive 🙂 Thank you Cori!
I’ve never been to c hicago but it is on my list of places to visit soon. The shopping may get me in trouble though. 🙂 It looks like the boys had a blast.
The shopping is the BEST.
I live near Chicago, so the Bean and the Shedd are no big shakes to us after so many visits…but that photo of your three boys all lined up asleep in matching PJs totally made my morning! SO CUTE!!!!
Awe. Thank you!
I grew up in Chicago and loved visiting the museums. The food is great too like the pizza.
Oh yes…deep dish pizza. Yum!
It looks like you had a great time! I’ve been to Chicago a few times. My most recent visit was earlier this month for the Younique convention. My favorite thing was doing the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co bus tour of Chicago downtown. Our tour guide even stopped at the main spots and let us get out to take photos! 🙂
Awesome! Sounds like fun!
Your boys are so cute!
I have always wanted to visit Chicago. So far I have only been to the airport, passing through on to another flight. But you are right, there is so much to see and do there, and I have read that some of the best restaurants in the world are there too.
Happy to see your family was able to enjoy so much of Chicago in just an overnight trip. 🙂
Thank you! You definitely should check it out when you get the chance. It’s one of my favorite cities.
I love the bean in Chicago! Millennium park is awesome 🙂
I saw “Chicago” in your title and had to read. That’s my home! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I live here and still love to run around doing tourist things.
Sarah Noel | http://www.sarahsmirks.com
It’s one of my favorite cities! Thanks for reading!
Sleeping children are the best children. I’ve never been to the chicago area outside of the airport. 😛 Wonderful pictures and I’m glad you all had such an amazing time!
Thank you!
Oh wow! That looks like such a cool place! Thanks for sharing more of your trip with us!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
This was such a cute post. I love seeing little ones all dressed alike in their jammies.
Thank you 🙂
You are totally reminding me that I NEED to get to Chicago sometime soon. I miss that city. Looks like you guys had lots of fun!
Yes! We did…thanks!
Chicago is def on my bucket list
We ran through the water fountains when we were there too! The kids loved it! It was especially fun on a hot day! Looks like you had a blast!
We really did! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago!
It’s one of the best cities!
How fun! I want to go back to Chicago!
You should!
We love Chicago! I was there earlier this summer for a conference. I haven’t taken my son yet, but when we do Millennium Park will definitely be on the top of my list of places I will take him.
Awesome!
Ooh! I want to touch the bean! That looks like so much fun! Glad you guys had a blast!
Ha ha! My kids couldn’t get enough of touching the Bean 🙂
You and the kids seem to have had a ball! 🙂
Yes. Thank you!
I love the sleeping picture the best!!
Me too 😉
I have only been to Chicago once. We were visiting family and we went to dinner at a PF Changs. Next time I will suggest we go to a local place to eat. Looks like the family had fun-I probably would have broken down and ran in the water. So, so awesome you got to do some shopping!!
Yes! Thank you!
I LOVE Chicago! Although I am totally biased because I was born there. I hate that it has become so dangerous, but I still miss it everyday!
Yes. I think every city has, unfortunately.
Chicago is my favorite city, and I totally love it! I didn’t realize they had water play at Millennium Park though. That’s so cool.
It’s one of mine too. 🙂
It looks like a great trip!! We have never been, but I have always wanted to take a picture with the bean too!
You should! I love Chicago!
I’d love to see Chicago.
I love “The Bean”. Too cool! Looks like you guys really did have a wonderful time, and they’re so cute snuggled all together in bed 🙂
🙂 Thanks!
oh, how fun! Looks like the kids had a blast. I would love to visit downtown Chicago someday.
You should!
Haven’t been back to Chicago in years. Great pics, made me want to go back and this time with the kids.
Yes! The kids loved it!
It looks like you had a great time! I”ve never been myself.
I love Millennium Park! What a fun trip!
xo, Caitlin
And Possibly Dinosaurs
Seriously, can your kids get any cuter? I love that they were all cuddled up with matching pjs! I absolutely love Chicago!
Awe. Thanks Britt. Chicago is awesome!