I am really behind in my posts since my kiddos are taking a lot of time and energy this summer. Now that they are 3 they want to be entertained, played with or fed which means that I can’t seem to do anything anymore. If I ignore them then they beat up on each other which is really never a good idea. So all I have left to do is to make sure we explore as much as possible.
Exploring makes them focused, entertained and educated and it keeps me with constant ideas about my posts, only if I had time to write them. At the end of the day I am not really sure who is more exhausted me or them.
About three weeks ago we took a road trip to Chicago and upon arrival dug into all the things the city has to offer. First stop was the Field Museum.
That quickly became our favorite partially because of Sue, largest and most extensive T-Rex specimen ever found.
Since we LOVE Dinosaurs, Sue really made us excited and to touch a replica of one of her teeth (the size of my son’s arm) was even more amazing.
Then we decide to venture into one of the side rooms and take a trip through evolution time.
Which started with simple organisms and continued on through more dinosaurs and fish.
My favorite being the Maiasaura
This Maya-saura trying to make noises
The Maya-saura that made me (together with her brother) watch a movie about biodiversity at least 5 times. I had to pull them away from it. Yes the cartoon explaining different features and how they develop was cute but also full of huge scientific words that I was afraid my 3 year olds would now use on daily basis. So after at least 20 minutes I cut them off, and took them to the Ice Age.
Filled with Mammoths and other creatures you find in the movie, even though they have never seen it.
Then we saw horses, which they have seen and ridden before.
and humans that did look different and interesting to touch
and compare, when we realized that it was time to visit real humans
and traveled to Senegal.
Where we had lunch with the locals
and enjoyed the local architecture.
To travel to our next location we passed by taxidermy zoo, which for me is extra cool but for others can be a wee bit creepy
I loved that you can experience anything from African savannah
To your local fox population.
There was so much more there, like Tibet
Where you can stare at local costumes and daily wear. All those tee pots got us motivated to single a little jingle about being short and stout.
Then we looked at our DNA Lab and since we are young and our Mommy can’t even imagine how to explain DNA to a 3 year old we headed to Children’s Play Area.
Located below and slightly secluded, meaning it will be hard for your child to leave without you (big thing with twins), it was a perfect place to play.
So we help some Pteranodons hatch
and dig for some bones
played with some instruments
picked some corn, and headed home. Mommy was pooped.
The Field Museum is located right next to Soldier Field and offers other Special Exhibits that we did not see. We were lucky since we came during the Free Days meaning the general admission was free, not including any special exhibits.
Also you will have to pay for parking which is 18$ unless you decide to take the public transportation.
The upcoming 2011 Free Admission days are:
- August 29 – 31
- September 6 – 9, 14-15, 19, 22, 25, 30
- October 2, 4, 11, 26, 31
- November 1, 3, 7, 20, 28 – 29
- December 4-8
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As a mother of 4, I think i can say with full certainty, YOU were more tired.
But oh, I know you guys had so much fun! I lived in Chicago as a child, and I remember going to the museums and seeing the dinosaurs WHICH I LOVED.
I’m sure when their adults they’ll look on it fondly as I do, and remember what a fantastic mom they have
Your little ones are adorable…actually, I covet your daughter’s hair! And yes, I agree with Nicki that of course you are far more tired than your kids are. Entertaining is hard work.