Morton Arboretum in Naperville

Brian and I decided it was time to venture out on a little vacation with our new family of four. We went to Chicago and had a great time. It was actually much easier then we were expecting and Lucie was a champ. Finn had always been a good little traveller so it is a relief to see that Lucie did well too. She was getting a cold and slept most of the trip. We decided our first stop would be at the Morton Arboretum and it was fantastic. I had never been there before but we loved it.

There was so much to do and the park is huge, but we mainly stayed in The Children's Garden, which was 4 acres of nature dedicated to catpturing children's interests and teaching them to love nature. There were playgrounds and climbing structures, Finn loved the hanging bridges.

Love this shot of Finn peering into this huge gazing ball.

Lucie enjoyed being outside in the beautiful day.

Finn was amazed that he could walk through the streams, climb on the rocks, Get his pants soaked, catch tadpoles, play in the ponds, and basically do all the things that we tell him not to do when we are hiking. That what was so great about this place, kids could do all things that kids want to do, without parents constantly restricting their curiousities.

Building a dam our of rocks in a stream.

Taking a break to share a spot with his little sister.

Catching tadpoles.

Anyone know what kind of tree this is? I love it!

Overall it was just a great day. Relaxing, pretty, and exactly what we needed. We will be going back. It was Finn's favorite part of the trip though I think he is a little confused. Instead of The Children's Garden, he thinks he went to kindergarten.