lincoln park zoo

if you live in the city of chicago, it can be very easy to take a trip to the zoo for granted. you see, in the middle of lincoln park (smack dab in the middle of chicago) is a FREE zoo. if you live in the area, you most likely walk through the zoo on regular intervals. for us, when we lived in the city, we took a trip to the zoo at least once a week during the warmer months of the year. i miss it. when you go with such a high level of frequency, you really get to "know" the animals.

when ellie was a wee one (up until we moved) we would go to the farmer's market that is held in the park and then take a stroll through the zoo. it was wonderful! since we didn't have to pay, i never felt any sort of guilt about not seeing all the animals. we'd just hit our favorites or walk until e had enough and then head home.

knowing that our time in chicago may very well becoming to an end soon, we are trying to take in our favorite things before we leave. today, we went to the zoo. (we also thought this might help miss d and her hoof-hoof issues. sigh.)

both girls loved their ride on the carousel. d had a melt down in the line because she just could not wait to get on and e was ecstatic to select which animal she would ride on. then when the ride began, their giggles were intoxicating to this momma. there is something so simple and so wonderful about a ride on the merry-go-round that brings joy to the soul.

d has decided that she is too big for the stroller, so momma got a work out today!

after our wonderful day at the zoo, we decided to stick with the theme and took the girls to the rainforest cafe. they were in their glory! as for scott and i, we will certainly sleep well tonight.