Spring Break

We just had our spring break and had such a great week. The kids had a great time and I was really sad to see them go back to school yesterday. Here's a list of the highlights:

We went to Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. It is a free zoo and I had forgotten what a great place it actually is. They have a ton of animals and it is laid out really well. We had a blast checking everything out and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Chris and Grant checking out some monkeys. This was my favorite exhibit. They were so playful and active. They came right up to the glass to look at you. They also had a 2 week old baby monkey in the exhibit. It was darling. We stood there for about 1/2 an hour just watching them.

This little alcove is right next to a huge bear. You can't see it very well, but the bear was leaning up against the glass so that the only thing separating my kids from the bear was the glass. They got to see his enormous claws, huge teeth and it was a little creepy when he lifted up his head and stared right at you.

Carter's Cub Scout troop went to a place called Cantigny awhile ago and I've been wanting to get there. It is a great park that also has 2 wonderful museums. We only went into the First Infantry museum, but I was ASTOUNDED at how great it was....really well done. I would love to go back. Then, right outside, they have about 10 tanks that the kids can climb on and play. They had so much fun. There is also a playground and some beautiful gardens to see. We will definitely go back (and it was also free).

We also hit the Jelly Belly Factory in Wisconsin after going to the temple and getting Dunkin Donuts (Chris' idea to get the kids excited every time we go up to the temple). They loved the free tour and getting the samples afterwards.

We also had multiple park runs, play dates, egg hiding, and General Conference watching fun times. It was fabulous!!