CHICAGO!

We took a recent trip to Chicago to celebrate Mackenzie's fourth birthday. This was our first family vacation since she was born, and it was long overdue! We took over 100 photos, but will just share the hightlights of the trip here. We all had the best time, and can't wait to go back. The only downfall of the entire trip was the TRAFFIC. It was horrific. . .at all times of the day!!

This was the view on the way to Shedd Aquarium. Lake Michigan was beautiful!!!
Mackenzie could not contain her excitement about the aquarium. We stood at this tank for about 10 minutes before we could convince her to move on to something new. . .

This fish was patient enough to let me take his photo. . .flash photography was not allowed. . .so, my ISO had to be set to 1600!
Next stop, the Field Museum. Our main goal was to see Sue!
Here's Sue! Her head is just a replica b/c the real thing weighs 600 lbs! Her head was on display on a different level in the museum. Mackenzie kept calling her Rexie, like in the movie, "Night at the Museum."

Mack and mama on the drums. I think we found our new calling!
Since we skipped her nap, and went to two major attractions, our newly four year old was exhausted! She asked Matt to carry her. To her delight, he put her on his shoulders!
For her birthday dinner, we took her to the Rainforest Cafe. She LOVED it. What's not to love??

Her birthday cake consisted of FOUR brownies with a caramel filling, icecream, whipped cream, and a sparkler! YUM!!!
Our last morning we spent in the hotel pool, and then headed off to IKEA. Matt and Mackenzie had the best time swimming!
Like father. . . Like daughter. . .what NUTS!