Aidan flew in the evening of March 28. When the last flight comes in, it’s almost always guaranteed there will be a delay, and this time was no exception. Except the delay never actually happened. Things got squared away on the departing side really quickly, so Aidan arrived even before his original scheduled arrival. How often does that happen? 🙂
We had a fun, low key spring break. We spent most of time hanging around the apartment and relaxing, playing video games (we played Harry Potter using our “dudebro” voices) and just chilling out. It’s always nice to do that. I’d managed to clear most of my week just so Aidan and I could hang. It was challenging to keep my schedule clear, but I did it for the most part.
We went out a few days, but our biggest adventure was hitting the Shedd Aquarium. A few locals advised us against it. “It’s spring break, it’s going to be a mess!” they said. But Aidan and I met up with the woman I babysit for and her two sons, and we headed out anyway. And it turned out to be fine. It was crowded, but not so much that I was super annoyed or anything. We got there early, and because she had a stroller, got to bypass the main ticket line and use the accessible line. I upgraded our tickets because Aidan wanted to see sharks.
He got his wish.
We got to touch a sea star; Aidan didn’t like that much. We also saw penguins, pretty fish, whales, a snapping turtle, and other beautiful things.
The Wild Reef exhibit was my favorite. I’ve always loved coral reef, so seeing it there was amazing. Coral reef fascinates me. It’s teeming with life–thousands, if not millions of organisms make it their home–and it’s so delicate that it can only survive in the most exacting of environments. Once upon a time I fancied having a coral reef tank, but they’re too hard and expensive to maintain. Thank goodness we have the Shedd, right?[1. I used to have freshwater tropical tank many years ago. I really miss having an aquarium. It was so calming and beautiful. We just don’t have room for one where we live now. :(]
Of course there was souvenir shopping. Aidan wanted plushies. First, he was desperate for a stuffed penguin. I told him to wait until we were done looking at things because I didn’t want to lug the thing around. Then, by the end of the visit, he wanted a stuffed shark. So we headed to the gift shop. I was expecting to spend $25–30 on a single plush for Aidan, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were TWO for $30! Well then. So Aidan got two sharks and he named them Saw Blade and … well, shoot, I know the other one had Hammer in his name somewhere but now I can’t remember what his name is. Anyway, he was happy.
And man, some of the things that come out of that kid’s mouth!!
Aidan: There are so many movies coming out that I don’t care about!
Ronni: Oh hell no.
Aidan: Oh heaven yes!Aidan: Would you like this Easter egg bubblegum? It’s egg-flavored gum. Just kidding!
Aidan: Mom, you need to buy a new mirror. That’s a funhouse mirror.
He’s right about the mirror. It does a number on my self-esteem when I’m standing in just the right… or maybe wrong place.
Aidan flew back to Ohio tonight. The gate agent sat him next to another UM–an 11 year old girl–so he’d have someone to talk to. The next time I see him, he’ll be arriving for the summer. And two days after that is Disney World!
So, that was my spring break in a nutshell. It was a good one. Hope yours was good, too.
I’m so glad you and Aidan had a nice spring break! The aquarium is the perfect place to go to, in my opinion. We’re planning on taking Alyssa and Ryan to the Baltimore Aquarium as soon as we get the chance, either later this month or early next month. Ryan can’t wait to see the sea turtles. 🙂
Sea turtles are super cool. 🙂 And I’m glad he and I had a nice Spring Break, too. Now I’m counting down the days until his summer break. Which will be weird because I’ll be working again.
Looks like you had a fabulous time! I used to have an aquarium–nothing fancy just some rescued feeder fish! It was fun too. I love the Wild Reef photos! Happy Monday!
I really miss having an aquarium. It was so peaceful. We don’t have room for one now, but if we did, I’d certainly have one. I didn’t have fancy fish either–in fact, the only ones that stuck around were the cheap mollies from Meijer for 19¢ or something like that. The others… I just wasn’t good at keeping them alive. *sniffle*
Hey Ronni,
Have you seen/heard about the new Disney Infinity game for Wii? I don’t know what it’s like because 1. It’s on pre-order still and 2. it’s $75, so I am thinking it’s something more special than a regular game?? But I saw it on amazon and thought of you! I hope it’s something cool.
Kristin
I JUST recently heard about the game. It looks really cool, but $75? Oy!! Maybe I’ll wait until the price drops some. But it looks like a lot of fun, I like how the characters are all mixed up. I think you have to buy other characters though? Or can you unlock them by playing? I dunno, but it’s too expensive! Ha!
Thanks for thinking of me and dropping by. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.
You look like you had an awesome adventure as always…….We went to the aquaruim in Carmel this weekend but your pics are WAY better than mine.
Ah but you went to CARMEL. That place sounds so beautiful… I hope I get to go one day! 🙂
Oh your pictures from the aquarium look great! You’re so lucky you went to one of the Disney parks now the aquarium. It must be so nice, there is nothing like that where I live and it’s like an event planning a trip to go somewhere like that Lol
There is a lot to do in Chicago. Really, if I’m bored, it’s my fault for being too lazy to seek things out! Chicago has a lot of things wrong with it, but finding stuff to do is not one of them.
I’m glad you liked the pictures!