Visit to the Zoo

Henry and I checked out the Playzoo at the zoo today. We saw monkeys, birds, turtles, an armadillo, grasshoppers, bunnies, and guinea pigs (which we even got to pet). It was a great little escape in the cold winter day we are having. We ended our visit with a stop at the greenhouse where Henry couldn't decide which was more fun giving the plants a drink or giving himself a drink.

Nana and Papa take Henry to the Children's Museum

Nana and Papa visited this weekend. While they babysat for the better part of Saturday, it allowed Brian and I to run around and cram in some errands and fun. We had a great, quiet dinner out while Nana and Papa ran Henry ragged at home. That's what they say anyway!
Sunday we headed to the Chicago Children's Museum. He had the best time and we all did too watching him. He marveled at the water works station, really enjoyed playing with the plastic boats. Its like a dream come true water table, so giant! Papa too was quite intrigued with the engineering abilities the water table had, creating dams, and waves and whatever else engineers marvel at. There was this amazing nature and bug exhibit with shadow play screens. We all enjoyed that. A break for lunch and we were all recharged to continue playing tools, market and sliding down the slide, oh say 15 times. What a fun day!

FISH!

Headed to the Shedd Aquarium today. Henry loved yelling out "FISH" and "UH-OH". Not quite sure why, the uh-oh, maybe he thought big fish would eat little fish, or something to that nature. He seemed to be a fan of the turtles, which mom enjoyed also. Brian really loved the giant spider crabs, that were definitely impressive. The baby backpack worked splendidly. Brian and I were half downtown and realized all strollers were resting comfortably in the garage and not in our trunks Big UH-OH. The backpack allowed Henry a closer look into the glass and an adult height view is nice when all other little kids are pressed up against the glass to get a peak. Too bad we missed our scuba friend, Jeff who dives in the reef some days, today Susan was diving and she gave Henry a nice wave. He loved it and waved back! We had packed a picnic lunch and relaxed a bit with our peanut butters and jellies. Yum it hit the spot and we headed back home for a nap.

Trip to the museum!

While dad attended his cyclocross banquet I took Henry to the Children's Museum. We created our first watercolor painting together. This is not the first masterpiece that has made it to the fridge, and surely won't be the last. We had fun mama and son time. Just as he does at home he played with the train table oh so contently. Yesterday we tried out My-Gym. Its a kids only fitness and creative play center that combines circle time, songs, and climber obstacles. I think Brian and I wished we could have jumped in those pools of balls with Henry. He loved that part! He wasn't into the trying out the trampoline so much but Brian and I did:) And the class ended with super charged bubbles, bubbles blown in the room with the assistance of a box fan. So fun!

Chilly New Year's Walk thru the Woods

We were looking to stretch our legs this weekend and what a great idea Brian had to head out for a walk. Brian's been on this forest preserve trail near our house many times already on his bike, but this was Henry and I's first time.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Henry could definitely handle his own with the gift opening. So much that I spent a good part of the weekend re-wrapping what he had opened that wasn't for him, or at least doing some decent tape/ patch jobs to the little damage he made. The first Christmas in a new house is definitely a memorable time and we wanted that. We headed to Michigan Christmas afternoon to see the family for the remainder of the weekend. Henry for sure loves his Big Wheel, which now come outfitted with lights and sounds. And he takes great pride in "shopping" in my kitchen with his new shopping cart, bringing cans of tuna and soup to us in the next room. We've managed to remain healthy so far this winter... thankfully. We hope you all have a healthy and happy 2009!