Chicago: Shedd Aquarium

While Kent was traveling for work last week, I decided to take the kids to Chicago to visit the grandparents for a few days. Ever since we saw Finding Nemo, his first movie, G has been interested in sea animals, so I promised him we could visit the aquarium while we were there. Unfortunately, Miles came down with a nasty viral infection a few days before our trip, so we spent the first day snuggling at home.

With M finally feeling better, on Thursday we went to the Shedd Aquarium, where M was enthralled with the penguins.

G was most excited about seeing a whale. In fact, he brought a toy whale with him on our trip. One of the beluga whales had a baby last August, and the baby was on display for the first time the week we were there. It was too dark to take pictures in the underwater viewing area, but the beluga calf was an amazing sight, swimming side by side with its mamma. Above water, we saw the whales coming up for air.

Truth be told, it was a hefty admission for just a couple of hours at the aquarium {and there was lots more we didn't see}. Even so, G is still talking about the whales, starfishes and dolphins we saw and wants to go back the next time we're in town.