Shedd Aquarium

We took a mini vacation up to Chicago for the 4th of July weekend.  We had fun playing with cousins, being tourists and beaching.  The main place I wanted to take the boys this trip was Shedd Aquarium.  It did not disappoint.  The boys really didn't know what to expect. 

We tried to talk it up to Gabriel and say what we were going to find and watch.  But since late mornings can be a little rough with a 3 and 1 year old, we decided to get the General Admission pass.

We found a side entrance with a much shorter line and then it was up the huge elevator to the main aquarium.  The last time I really remember being in there, I was 13 and we had to check out the shark, my brother's current obsession.  It was the same aquarium but looked much smaller.  There was a diver in the tank feeding some of the fish when we arrived.  A huge turtle and sting rays seem to be the big hits for the boys this time.  We spent a long time there until we ventured over to the Amazon fish, Lake Michigan and river fish. 

SHARK!

Sting Ray

We ate a little lunch while the dolphin and whale show was going on.  Then we were able to have a front row seat to watch the Bulga whales and dolphins swim around under water.  Gabe loved "speaking whale" to the them (see Finding Nemo). 

Hey Big Fella

Could sit here all day

Dolphins

The dolphins put on a great show playing with a basketball.  It was a great day for the boys to see new fish and us to watch them exploring it all.