Our Family Christmas 'Date'

Today, we had planned our first Family Christmas Date. I hope to make it annual tradition. We have spent time downtown around the holidays, of course, but I really wanted to make a day of it.

First Stop: Shedd Aquarium

This idea is thanks to Groupon, who was kindly offering a 2-for-1 deal a few weeks ago. It was only for a small window of time and Sun - Thurs. What better thing to do on a Sunday morning, they open nice and early. We parked at Millenium Park and took a cab, Layla's first. She was quite thrilled! The cab dropped us off in front of the Field Museum and we had the pleasure of seeing the die-hard tailgait-ers getting going on our walk over to the Shedd.

Beth's favorite: Jellies
Jason's favorite: Wild Reef
Layla's favorite: Penguins

Kids can dress up as penguins and slide on the ice and snow playground.

Inspecting the jellies up close. This is a temporary exhibit at the Shedd. They had some really neat jellyfish and much of the exhibit was kid friendly so Layla could see the jellies herself.

I got a few good pictures even without the flash.

Layla and the sea turtle. She likes 'curdles' just like her Grandma Carol!

Walking back to get a cab. This is the main drop off point for the Shedd, the Field Museum and Soldier Field. We had to cross a river of people to get out!

Soon-to-be-disappointed masses of Bears Fans.

Second Stop: Lunch at The Gage

Yum! This is where our friend Kevin is working now and it's a beautiful place. They offer a traditional Irish breakfast and Scotch eggs too. We bypassed the former, but did take part in the latter (should've taken a picture of that): It's a hard-boiled egg, wrapped in sausage and deep-fried. Gluttonous and delicious! I had the soup and sandwich combo: Elk Chili and Wild Mushroom sandwich. Jason had The homemade Corned Beef Hash. We shared some chocolate cake and Irish coffee before departing for our walking adventure.

Third Stop: Walking/Touring

We walked State Street to see the Macy's windows (disappointing to the adults, but Layla still enjoyed them), and walked over to Daley plaza to see the German Christmas Market and the City's 'Official" tree. I had forgotten the potato pancakes and brats there.....we were way too full to partake in that. The only ill-planned part of our voyage. Layla especially enjoyed the drummers outside Macy's!

Macy's window display

Layla is quite taken with the drummers.

Fourth and Final Stop: Millenium Park

We visited 'The Bean', watched the ice skaters and just enjoyed the park. It was a beautiful day out, sunny and about 40. Wonderful day for people watching and enjoying the city. I deem the first annual Christmas date a success!

Da Bean

When we got home we all napped on the couch/watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!