Chicago

A few weekends ago Mara and I headed into the city to visit with one of my best friends, Arthi.  We were so excited to be able to go into Chicago and visit her.  With life so busy these days, it's rare that we get time, yet alone two whole days, to hang out together.  

When we arrived we quickly got settled and headed out into the city.  It was a beautiful morning and we wanted to take full advantage of it.  Mara was in awe of the city and everything there was to look at.  She sat contently in her stroller just taking in the sites as we made our way to Millennium Park.  

Loving the splash pad

Checking out the other kids

At the park we let Mara get in the splash pad.  Although she was too small to run around with the older kids she had a blast just sitting and watching everyone.  She eventually figured out she was surrounded by water and started splashing with both her arms and legs.  By the end of our time there she was crawling around and just loving all the commotion.  

Taking it all in

After the splash park we headed to the landmark that Millennium Park is known for...the Bean!  Mara was less than impressed by the huge sculpture and I don't think I got one picture of her looking into it.  She mainly wanted to check out all the people around.

Mara is less then impressed

We swung into Panera for a quick lunch.  Mara devoured her mac & cheese while making some pretty interesting faces at Arthi.  I was so happily surprised by how fast Mara warmed up to Arthi.  She didn't have any stranger danger and was "hamming" it up for her immediately.

Shopping was on our agenda next as we headed to State St.  We ducked into Old Navy and picked up a few tops for all of us.  When we left the store the sky was looking pretty black.  Thinking it would be just a quick shower we stopped into another store.  

A few minutes later and the rain just getting heavier we decided to call a lift and head home.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing in their apartment.  Mara loved looking down at all the cars zooming below.  She also loved hiding behind their curtains and playing peek-a-boo.

On Sunday we decided to head to Lincoln Park Zoo.  I wasn't too sure how much Mara would get into it and I was pretty much right on target.  She was pretty much zoned out the entire time despite us pointing out the animals and getting pretty close to some of them.  

A male lion lazes in the shade

After a short lunch she came alive for a brief second as we passed by the flamingos.  I don't know if it was the pink colors, the flapping feathers or the squacking that got her attention but she did pay attention finally.

The flamingos

Checking them out

Arthi and Mara

After the zoo we decided to get manicures and pedicures.  Mara did great sitting in my lap for the majority of the treatment.  She quickly passed out and fell asleep in the Ergo as I finished drying my nails.  We stopped in for some ice cream before heading back to the apartment for the night.

Another bean shot

Getting stuck in Arthi's couch

Overall we had a blast!  It was so nice to be able to visit with Arthi (& Vik!).  I loved being out in the city and getting to explore some of the gems that it has to offer.