Last week Garrett took some time off and we had a mini-staycation here at home. I was amazed how refreshing a few days together as a family was, especially since we barely took more time than any normal weekend. Maybe having fun on the weekdays was just the added treat we needed.
We started by going to the Brookfield Zoo last Tuesday. We picked that day because it was a free day for kids. We were still shocked at how much the day cost, since once you get in the front gate they seem to charge up the wazoo for every little exhibit inside, but in any case we've been wanting to check out the zoo and had a great day doing it. We saw the dolphin show and rode the tram around the zoo grounds, and made a fun visit to my old stomping grounds at the Children's Zoo. In 1999 I was an intern at the Children's Zoo at Brookfield. I got to help put on shows and educate the public, care for the animals and learn about native wild species. It was a fun and eye-opening summer so I was especially excited to go back and share the experience with my kids. Truth be told the Children's Zoo was pretty quiet, but I did get to see a guy I worked with all those years ago, and the kids had a blast brushing and feeding the goats in the petting zoo.
Gabriel compares his wingspan to that of a bald eagle
My little beauties
Grooming the goats...
And feeding the goats something more appropriate
Cabell was out of town last week canoeing in the boundary waters between the US and Canada, so his apartment was vacant. We took advantage of the chance to get some free city lodging and camped out at his place for the night, then Wednesday morning we enjoyed some of beautiful Grant Park and breathtaking Buckingham Fountain.
Then we headed back to the beach where we spent some time a couple months ago when Nana was in town. It was a gorgeous day, not humid, a tad bit windy but overall just really nice. We lounged, we played, got wet, we got sandy, we ate lunch. It was a beautiful summer day. 
What a view!
An unwanted though fascinating visit from some hungry gulls
Leapfrog!
A boy in his element
Daddy and Abigail
Little mermaids and merman!
Splashing with daddy in the waves
Can it get any better?
We drove home after the beach, tired and happy. Garrett had plans Thursday afternoon, but we got a little more family time Thursday morning taking advantage of the bounce house gift certificates the kids got for their birthday. We had a blast! Honestly, I think it was the best few days we've had all summer, just being a family and slowing down enough to enjoy each other. Garrett and I celebrated our eleventh wedding anniversary a few days ago. Actually, we celebrated a week early, taking an overnight in the city while our favorite babysitter stayed with the kids. I think I've had just about a perfect family week, first spending some fun down time with my main squeeze and then reveling in my whole family with our special outings. I love that I am so in love!
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