Choo-Choo Boogie

Spring Break 2011This Spring Break we headed South for the winter via the "rails"!

We decided to make it an adventure this year and we jumped on an Amtrak train and made our way to Chicago.

What an experience! On our way down we sprung for the sleeper car and travelled in complete comfort. It also helped contain the crazy boys who were over the moon about taking a train to Chicago, and of course for the pool that awaited them at our hotel!

As a Mom, I have to admit that having our own bathroom was also a big plus...because they can never time the bathroom breaks together!

We arrived the Sunday after the HUGE St. Patrick's Day Celebration Parade, so we were able to catch the beautifully dyed river. Here is Dominic in front of it...unfortunately this picture doesn't quite capture the vivid green it was. I have to admit, that after seeing it I came home and researched how they actually dye the river....it's an amazing story...click on the link below to read about it!

http://www.greenchicagoriver.com/

Once we were there we decided the see the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science & Industry...although there were many more recommendations, we figured that these two came the most highly recommended.

The Shedd Aquarium was a beautiful experience. I can never get enough of the majesty of aquatic creatures. We watched a dolphin show, experienced a 4D movie and wandered through the Amazon. But, I especially liked the Beluga Whales and the boys LOVED the penguins.

Here is a picture of the boys being cheesy in front of one of the many aquariums!

On Tuesday we rode the bus down to the Museum of Science & Industry.

One word...AMAZING!

I could have easily spent days there, all the boys agree.

Upon arrival we were thrown into the circus and we had a blast with the magic mirrors...this one made me giggle...a lot..."Come one, Come all to witness...Little G Big Head Boy!"

Then we moved on to the U-505 exhibit. What a moving exhibit, pure heroics and planning; our naval men were able to capture this German U-boat and get it to America fully intact. Here are the boys manning their own U-boat mission...they succeeded!

On our final day before we caught the train home. We made our way down Michigan Ave. to the Hershey's shop. Where the boys were factory workers and then treated themselves to this yummy cupcake.

After we left the Hershey's store we caught a ride with Rave & her driver along the lake front of Lake Michigan. After we were done the boys thanked Rave with some carrots and she was much obliged to take them out of their hands!

What a wonderful way to end a fun adventure.

Thank you for having us, Chicago!