A Day At The Museum

On Monday, the Stage Family decided to take a day off from work and school and head to the Museum of Science and Industry. Actually, I had a doctor appointment with my rheumatologist at the University of Chicago and since the museum is almost next door to the campus, we decided to take advantage of the situation.

We arrived at the museum late in the morning, parked in the underground garage and walked in to the immense lobby. Do you know what we saw and heard? Nothing! There were no crowds... or noise..., just an open lobby without the long lines at the ticket counter. This was really strange. I've never been to the museum when it was this quiet. How cool!!! The last time we were there was on William's birthday in July and it was packed, as in hold on tight to your kids because they could get lost in the crowds packed.

William in the mist

The kids absolutely LOVE the museum, especially William who is interested in trains. Claudia likes the circus exhibit, the United airplane and the baby chicks. Brian and I just like it all! We decided this would be a good time to purchase a family membership. It's a pretty good deal. Cheaper than the family membership at the Shedd Aquarium and has a few more perks. We have unlimited tickets to the Omnimax theater, passes to the Smart House, discounted parking and we can bring a guest. Our guest was Brian's mom, Mimi. We really had to twist her arm to join us!

We started our visit with a ride from Denver to Chicago on the Pioneer Zephyr. It's streamlined design made for a really speedy trip. And we arrived in Chicago in time for the 1934 World's Fair!

William thinks the Zephyr is so cool. We missed the trip on our last visit and he was really bummed, so we made it a priority stop this visit.

After the train trip, we headed to the Smart House. It's actually a house full of "greenness". I know this isn't a real word, but it should be.... bamboo floors, rooftop garden, recycled materials.... I'm sure you get the idea. It was really cool. We left there inspired to make a few changes in our house. Now we just need the $$$$ to do so!

After the Smart House, we headed to the Omnimax for some white water rafting on the Colorado River. I became pretty queasy in the theater. I'd write more about the rafting trip, but the images are making my stomach churn right now.... Yuck!

The museum closed at 4:00pm on Monday, so we didn't get to see everything we wanted. We did get some of the important stuff in such as the John Deere tractor in Farm Tech, Christmas Around the World and the Great Train Story. Both the kids love the trains. The train story replicates a train trip from Chicago to Seattle with realistic terrain and cityscapes. It's awesome! If you haven't seen it, it's worth the trip!

Our day ended with the trip home with two overtired kids and adults! We can't wait to make another trip back. Yeah for memberships!!!

This is one small step for astronaut William, one giant leap for mankind

Christmas Around the World

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Look at me!! Look at me!!!