Shedd Aquarium

Our trip to the aquarium was a huge success. Calvin managed to stay more interested than we could have hoped. It helped that it was toddler Tuesday and they had activities for him to enjoy in a safe environment. Admittedly, Calvin is not writing his dissertation on the variability in adaptation of Amazon freshwater aquatic species (yet) and there is such a thing as enough colorful coral and fish for us laymen. Our first stop included fish AND ducks, an instant hit:
It was very fun for us to watch Cal experience all sorts of plants, corals, and animals on this trip. He also traveled like a champ, especially considering how long the train trips took us (more on that to follow). Cal was especially excited to see sharks, AKA "sharps" (an appropriate nickname, I think) and Nemo.
The activity area was found in the local waters section of the aquarium and included camping gear and live animals for the kids to touch...
...and crayons...
...and a boat...

...and buttons to push (our favorite)!
At the end of the day, Calvin crashed in the stroller as mommy and daddy hoofed to Union Station (by way of Panera Bread for refreshments and Walgreens for snacks on the train) to catch our 5:20 train departure.


PS: I was excited that the train pulled out of the station at exactly 5:20, as scheduled. Train travel the way it was intended, right? Wrong. After traveling for a mere 15 minutes we were plagued by delays as the tracks we were to ride on were under construction. At one point, the conducted used the term "are being built". Nothing like blazing fresh track on behalf Amtrak. Long story short, our 3 hour train ride took another 4 and a half hours. That's a total of over 10 hours of train travel and waiting for what should have been 6 hours of travel in either a car or a train. Better luck next time, I guess.

We Made It

What's taking so long?
On the baboose...

To Chicago By Train

1039 9/22/08

Well we are finally aboard Train 371 from Holland to Chicago. The train was supposed to leave the station at 0821 and we were plenty prompt for that, to the tune of a half hour. No good explanation yet as to why it took them so long to get to us. I was quite excited to try the train in the USA, my previous experience was in Canada (hardly) and Europe on the high-speed trains. How convenient for us to park less than 20 miles from our house to pick up the train to Chicago. The drive would take us a little more than an hour and it would have been on our schedule. Well, that is a type of patience of its own, relying on the schedule and consistency of others. So there we sat, with a toddler of little more than 2 years trying to keep him fed and occupied while we waited for the train. I was ready to board myself.

Tom just sent me a text that said, “wait until you get to Chicago and Amtrak does not own the tracks there either.” I can hardly wait. On the plus side, the ride is generally smooth and I am excited about sharing a seat with nobody (for now), Calvin and Mommy are behind me, well in front of me but I am facing to the rear of the train.

Allegan

In the Allegan State Game Area...



At Allegan Dam...
At a nearby family campground (I promised swings)...