This past weekend we went to the aquarium with my brother and his new gf. They live in Chicago, about 2 hours from us.

So, we got up early on Sunday, waited for C to wake up and the hauled ass to leave the house as early as possible. 

We got on our way at around 830, for a 1030 arrival in Chicago.

The aquarium was great! Charlotte has never been to the zoo… I know… Insert <gasp>! The husband is anti zoo. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there… We will make it to the zoo. 

With our lack of animal exposure, we were pretty pumped to see all the fish! And honestly, it was great! Charlotte was definitely a bit overwhelmed at times (she preferred stroller time for the first two hours), but loved pointing out the fish and other animals.

All in all, we spent about 4-5 hours trekking around the aquarium and saw all sorts of fish and even got to see beluga whales, dolphins, penguins and otters! Plus, as a bonus, my brother’s gf was great and it was so nice to see him! 

With that said, the ride home after no nap all day was not so fun. Charlotte slept for about 20 minutes, but woke up when we stopped for my husband to get a coffee (I think he’s learned the importance of stopping before we get on the highway). Post 20 minute kitty nap, Charlotte cried at hyperventilating levels on and off for the remainder until I finally moved to the back seat. 

It was lovely.

To say I was tired when we got home would be an understatement. 5 hours on my feet (many of which I was lugging a toddler) + 4 hours in the car (many with a crying toddler) + 34 weeks pregnant = bad. Just bad.

Today is Wednesday and I’m still not fully recovered. 

But look how much fun we had…