Aquarium Wrap Up

After we'd seen all we wanted at the aquarium, and some things twice... 

We headed for the main gift shop and found that it had a huge octopus on the ceiling!

We'd brought the boys some designated "souvenir money" and told them they could each pick something out to take home.  Cooper was on the hunt for an octopus...  he found this rubber one.

But then he found this stuffed one and knew it was the one.

I tried to talk Derek into getting this as his souvenir.  No go.

Miles found this cute little sea turtle that I thought would make a nice addition to our family.

But then he found this ginormous eel.

....that was it, he paid for it and left.   :) 

Even in the bag, it was about as big as him.

But we lugged it around and found the bus again...

Where, after this photo, Miles laid on my lap and fell asleep.

Which made walking from the bus stop to our dinner destination a challenge.

We made it though... a recommendation from my sister who used to live in Chicago.

The boys fully approved.

And when I was texting with my sister about the restaurant and our best way to get back to the AmTrak station, she mentioned that we should keep an eye out for her friend Jess who would be on her daily commute.  We met Jess a couple years ago when she came to Wichita with Anna.  We got in touch with Jess and found out that she was actually already at home, about eight blocks from where we were eating.  She pretty much ran to come see us and then walked us to the train. 

I so wish we would have had longer with her!  We may make a trip back and stay overnight with her next time!  She was so sweet to walk/run all that way just to see us for a few minutes.

And she even brought donuts and candy!

We said a quick goodbye after our quick hi and loaded onto the "L", another new experience.

Miles was unimpressed though since he was exhausted by that point.

But at the train station he had two sips of Daddy's iced coffee and was good to go.

Meanwhile, Cooper sipped some hot tea while we waited.

And then we boarded our train and headed home.

The boys entertained themselves with their souvenirs.

And did a little sleeping.  Not only is the train cheaper than driving, but it's nice you can take a nap instead of man the wheel...   says Derek.

And that wrapped up a great day spent in Chicago at Shedd Aquarium.