Lincoln Park Zoo

We had so much fun in Chicago! Seriously! After months of some serious planning, my parents, Parker, Ben and I loaded up the car and headed to Chicago for a weekend of fun! Thanks Tara for dog-sitting:) Parker was good for about 45 minutes, then began to get a little restless. It was a looong drive. We left our house at about7:30 and arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo at about 11:30. We had to make a couple of bathroom breaks, and stretch breaks for Parker.

We had a picnic lunch before heading into the Zoo, there were birds and ducks all over the place and they came so close to you. Parker was not too fond of the bigger ducks but, loved chasing after the white birds. I tried to show him how to feed them but, I think he actually wanted them to eat the food out of his hand, which did not work so well.

After lunch we headed into the Zoo!! We had a blast and saw so many wonderful things!

Parker loved looking at all of the different kinds and colors of fish! He would go right up to the glass and try to grab one.
Parker is riding on a mama Hippo!!

After about an hour and a half Parker was HOT. We found this cute spot for kids to cool down at. The sidewalks have little holes that water squirts up and the kids run through them and get all wet. He was not to sure of it at first but, as you can see it did not take him long to join in on the fun!

Dad and Parker up close and personal to a black bear. In the inside of the log there is a piece of plastic, separating them from the bear.
The animals were so beautiful, some of them looked like statues.

Parker with his friend the Gecko. He was not at all happy when we sat him up to this BIG lizard but after a minute he was OK. He even thought his new friend was pretty funny!!

Picture Perfect!!

Parker and Dad in front of the Gorillas!
Playtime with Grandpa and Daddy!!


Our last stop was to the Carousel. Grandma, Mommy and Parker jumped on the Carousel and Parker picked the tiger to ride on. He had so much fun and was a little upset when the ride stopped!!

After we left the Zoo we decided to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. This is one of my favorite places to eat, and we usually always go when we visit my sister. At this point Parker had only slept about an hour the whole day and was pretty crabby, and was not interested in pictures!

Ben's favorite band, The Smashing Pumpkins!

After dinner we checked into our hotel and rested for a little bit before we had to go to Ben's get together for school. The gathering was at the Field Museum, right across from Soldier Stadium, and there was a concert going on in the stadium too!! After the concert there was an amazing fireworks show!! Then Ben and I took a taxi back to the hotel. The day was absolutely perfect! We had so much fun!! W loved watching Parker explore new things!!! I think he loves Chicago, the BIG trucks really fascinated him!!