Fall is here...

...but it ain't stopping us !!!


We explored some local side streets,
and stumbled upon a really cool trail through the woods!


The trail ends with a beautiful view of a lake !!!

Planetarium

Today we got to go to the Planetarium !!!


The weather was perfect, and the day couldn't have went smoother.
There were so many cool exhibits to see, and movies to watch.


Joe visits Mars.




Aerial photo of Chicago.


Next to the Sun (good the the AC was on) !!!


Genuine restored re-entry pod.




Watching a 3D movie !!!



After lunch we went outside for a bit.
The weather was perfect, we enjoyed walking along the lake.






We checked out a few more exhibits after we got back in.



The student comes to learn...


...and the teacher to... brainwash with propaganda.
Good thing Joe wasn't buying it, lol.

We also got to play dress up !!!


Joe wasn't buying that either.
(I think it was the beard)

Eploring the Shedd Aquarium deeper

On Monday, we decided to see the Shedd Aquarium again.
Max and Michelle, Slavik's brother and sister, came with.


We had an awesome time, there was so much to see!
They had opened up many new exhibits, and this time
we got the total passes, so we got to see them all.


Here's their main new exhibit, totally re-done.
It looks like a real forest, the detail is amazing!




The only thing was... it was SUPER packed with people.
Who would have figured that on a Monday???
Think we're joking??? Here's the line...

...and it's just to the elevator!!! Not even an exhibit !!!

The layout of their bottom most floor was spectacular.
It looked liked a deep ocean, with glowing glaciers all around.






The belugas are back!!! (Delivered by FedEx)


We also saw a 4D movie. It was a first time for all of us.
Not only are you wearing 3D glasses, but things that happen
on the screen happen in real life, like water squirting,
bubbles, air blowing, seats vibrating, etc.

The scariest part was the demo in the beginning.
On the screen they showed a throng of rats,
as multiple jets blew air down by your feet.
It LITERALLY felt like rats were crawling on you!!!


They also have a really cool cafe where we had lunch.
The outdoor patio is so beautiful !!!!


To the one side you have the lake...


...and the skyline on the other.






All in all it was a great day. A bit crowded, so we would
recommend going on a Wednesday after summer is over.
There is also a brand new show opening soon,
FantaSea, it's supposedly unlike anything else ever made
(There's even a dog that's part of the show).

Brookfield Zoo pt.2

Slavik's brother Max was over,
the weather was beautiful,
the decision was made to visit Brookfield Zoo.



We were particularly excited about the Dinosaurs...







Some were REALLY HUGE !!!!!!




They also moved their arms, tails, and heads.
One was even spitting water, for some reason.














Even the mean ones came out to play!



Cute baby T-Rex.










Place your bets.




Moose !



We also visited the monkey house.

It was actually pretty packed, for a Monday.


Monkey Headquarters.



Guess what else was on display ???

Yup, a white-skinned Gorilla !!!



And then we also saw one zebra...


...and one buffalo.


All in all, it was a perfect day, and a relaxing walk
through dino-infested Brookfield Zoo.
The dinosaurs alone were worth the visit !!!
Also make sure to check out their gift shops, (^_^)
they currently have TONS of authentic semi-precious gemstones.

Museum of Contemporary Art

We were Downtown for the second day in a row!
This time we met up with Slavik's friend Brian, and
checked out the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)








We weren't allowed to take pictures of the exhibits,
so were only able to squeeze a few in, secretly.


We do recommend visiting, the museum is small,
but there's a couple of cool exhibits, so it's worth it.
The artwork was really visual, a lot of lights,
colors, and large sculptures.




This is actually just a spotlight and mist,
in a room full of darkness.



We had a really good time!!!

Navy Pier

We got a chance to visit Navy Pier today.


Arriving early, we first explored the pier, and watched
a lot of boats sail off in the water.








After exploring the pier, we went to the IMAX to see,
Underwater 3D, which was really cool.




Afterward we went to the indoor gardens.




Fountains shot water overhead.

Cirque Shanghai - "Bright Spirit"

While we were at Navy Pier, we got to see the Cirque Shanghai.
We had really awesome seats, the second row from the stage!!!



The show was fabulous, we couldn't believe some of the stunts
they pulled off. Not only were their skills amazing, but
there was a great variety and complexity to them.



Slavik took a lot of pictures, they came out well, so we'll share 'em.
We do recommend seeing this show, it's a swell time!



First they started juggling the balls with their legs...


...then they spun balls inside metal frames...


...then balanced with all of the balls...


...then bounced the balls to the top to score a basket...


...and then even higher, wow !!!

She made it !!! These girls are experts with balls !!!


Bo-Doom-Chhhhh...



























All throughout the show, there was a little girl prancing
around, not really doing much, and then at the end,
she showed off some amazing skills !

She was vaulted on top of the guy on his back,
and then he spun her around three times (like flips),


...and then she stood up on his legs !


Big applause; much deserved.