It has been way too long since we've last visited Chicago. So, we decided what better time for Benji to go on his first airplane ride than the summer of 2016?
Breakfast on the plane.
Wizard of Oz!
Benji and Daddy - all smiles!
The many flags at O'Hare.
Day 1
Derek, Josh, and Benji all had a fabulous flight to Chicago (even if it meant getting up at 4 in the morning). They were troopers and even went straight from the airport to Lincoln Park Zoo with our chaperone, Auntie Janet!
But, first, a quick nap on the way to the zoo.
First flight, no nap. 30 seconds into the car, nap.
After an early lunch, we started with the chimps. The first one was eating his own poo. The second one was dipping his cauliflower in his bubble bath and eating the bubbles. Oh, what lovely lessons they've taught the boys!
A lot of the animals were out and moving around, so the boys were able to see some great sites.
This guy moved from display to display -- and even showed off his teeth!
Benji shares his gator face.
The boys loved looking at the map to guide us.
AJ knows the best way to their hearts --- through their tummies (with ice cream)!
Check out these funny looking termites.
Hungry, hungry hippos.
Derek had a moment with this hippo -- a dancing moment!
This hippo truly enjoyed dancing with the boys!
Hippo Dances with Derek
Hippo Dances with Josh
On our way out, Josh looks up and says, "Is that Lion real?" Then this beautiful Lion gets up and shows off his stuff!
Stopping to smell the flowers.
One last roar before hitting the road!
"Roar"
After being up since 4, and spending the day at the zoo --- this guy finally conked out!
Following in his brothers' lead -- and sleeping like his daddy.
Staying with Bauby M and Zaidy Shelly -- first dinner, all prepared by Bauby -- deeeelicious.
Benji kept running around and coming back to Bauby for some more ice cream. Already wrapped around her finger!
After dinner with the Many Margoli, we enjoyed the start of a movie, and then crashed to bed!
Day 2
The next morning Zaidy Shelly joined us for a trip to the Shedd Aquarium.
Checking out the neons and the turtles.
Learning about the big tank by the scuba diver inside!
Fun with penguins.
Two jokers having fun together.
Next up, a show with Dolphins, Whales, Penguins, and even a Dog (name Dory)!
Benji volunteers to be a part of the show!
Benji says, "ooooooooo!'
On the way back to B & Z, we were able to have a sweet visit with Aunt Elaine and Uncle Barry!
These boys were all smiles with Aunt Elaine.
Maybe because she knows how to be silly with them?!
Uncle Barry shares his many machines with Derek, and Derek showed Uncle Barry his lego creation.
Day 3
Josh wakes Bauby with Kisses.
He also tries hide and go seek where Derek used to hide when he was the same age! (Busted by Benji)
Josh has Bauby try his new creation --- Frosted Flakes on top of Cream Cheese and Bagel.
The verdict --- deeeeelicous!
While Daddy went downtown for a Dental Seminar, Mommy, Auntie Janet, and the boys met Aunt Rachel and Eliora for a morning at Kohl's Children's Museum.
Running the car wash!
Josh shows Benji how to care for the baby.
Take notes on the vitals.
Ready for the next patient!
She's perfect!
On to the next room...
Pedaling...
...and pumping to inflate these air tubes!
Derek works at the gears and the gadgets.
The boys also work on popping and flying objects.
The current visiting exhibit is all about the engineering of toys. We were able to see the inner workings of Etch-a-sketch, Operation, Jack-in-the-Box, and more!
Benji enjoys "the baby."
Next up, the music room!
Next up, the water works....
Then to the home, farm, and family sections...
The baby whisperer is at it again!
The afternoon was spent in B & Z's pool with the Many Margoli and Phoebe, Austin, Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Shmooie, and Sammy, too! So much fun was had, we forgot to take pictures!!!
Then Derek headed back to the girls' house for a sleepover. Josh was excited to "sleep over" in Bauby M's room (for 2 nights!!!)
"The Nest"
Josh wakes his roomie with kisses (when it was time to wake Bauby M).
Josh also wakes Benji so we can get ready to go to the Many Margoli!
The novelty of the basement is always exciting for Floridians!
Uncle Ari took Josh to run some errands before everyone's arrival --- guess who fell asleep
Special thanks to Rachel, Ari, Laila, Adaya, and Eliora for hosting an open house so we could see so many family and friends during our short trip!
The "freeze dance" participants.
Happy to see Aunt Edie and Robert!
It's been a whirlwind of a trip -- and we may have worn Zaidy out in the process!
Josh wanted Bauby to read one last bedtime story before we left early the next morning. (He also filed his fingers and toes while listening --- guess he noticed Bauby doing this earlier!)
Thanks, Bauby M and Zaidy Shelly for a great visit!
Headed home.
Back in S FL and Grandma welcomed the boys back with dinner and a HUGE s'more dessert.
We had a wonderful time in Chicago and always welcome everyone in our home --- visit anytime!!!
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