For Spring Break we wanted to take a quick trip to Chicago. We went last year and purchased a year membership to Shedd Aquarium and we wanted to get on more entrance out of it. So, the thrifty people we are we went for a Sunday/Monday combo. Early in the week, when we checked the weather in the windy city, they were calling for rain both days. Oh stink! We headed out anyway, as those were the only days we could go. We left early Sunday morning and decide to head to the zoo first. The weather report had changed and it was going to be unusually warm...which it was...it turned out to be 70! (back home it was all of 35-with hail, snow, sleet and rain!)
Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo, right on Lake Michigan. It's an amazing zoo! I think we were there about 5 hours....AND it never even rained a drop.
what?? brothers being kind to each other? what?
this is a giraffe exhibit..so they weren't feeling like getting their picture taken. Steve did get one Ostrich in.
I don't remember what this was but he had such a homely look!
A monkey and her baby.
She was swinging all over with that baby hanging on her front
and of course the Gorillas were entertaining
Bengal Tiger! He was pacing back and forth in front of the Plexiglas.
Linda and I were praying that glass didn't break because he was CLOSE!!
After the zoo, we headed to Millennium Park. Last year we parked in a parking garage so it cost about $20 to go to the park for 1+ hours. This year we found a parking spot on the street...here are the "country folk" trying to figure out how to get a parking pass.
about three blocks later we arrived at "The Bean" actually called the Cloud Gate.
a little jumping...Tyler you rock!
Then to dinner at the two story McDonalds. Trent spotted this last year and wanted to go..so we told him we would try and squeeze it in this year!
Enjoying our meal and they were HAPPY!
On Monday we were up and packing up for a day at the Shedd....
waiting for the Whale/Dolphin show to start.
I'll leave you with one last picture. Dad & Linda in front of the Shedd...So glad we could take them with us! Memories were made!!! We all had a great time! (and NO Rain either day!)
heading home around 4 we made a quick (or to some, long) stop at Cabela's. The only thing we left with was...a light jacket for Linda and a fleece for me.
A GREAT TRIP!
Troy & Trent holding up the sign
Leopard
Lions...a side note...they make the windows 
Puma, all packed and ready to be shipped out....
Tyler and Troy sharing a brotherly moment...I know...awww!
Here it is, in all it's glory...lol! The real name is The Cloud Gate...I'm not sure the artist appreciates everyone calling it 'The Bean'?? I guess that is what they see a large bean shaped object! So anyway...it was pretty cool..and shinny! See the Chicago skyline in it...I'm just that good..lol!!
So I got in this one...
Hey..'lets do a jump picture!!" Troy you take the picture..ready--set--jump on 3..GO!
Okay, Steve you take the picture! Ready on 3....1--2--3, oh man!!
Solo jump.....
Very large LED screens in the park. they don't look that big..but compare them to the people standing in front of them. The cool think is it changes...as she smiles, blinks....
Trent showing me his guns at the hotel!
Today we were off to the Shedd Aquarium....it was a chill day....but it was all enclosed..so we were good! We purchased a family membership, so we have admittance for free for one year...maybe we will have to make another trip over???? 
Trent & a Iguana
That would be part of an Anaconda...wouldn't want to meet up with him!
Making fun family memories. We hope the boys will remember this for many years to come!!