For Joel's birthday, we wanted to take him on his first train ride. We thought about going into Chicago but just didn't feel up to it after his party the day before. So we decided on Brookfield Zoo!
Joel was really excited about being on the train. He especially loved looking out the window at the other trains, cars, and train tracks. It was a rather long train ride since he did not want to sit still at all. Nor did he really want to be confined to our seat area. He wanted to roam the train, of course!
As usual, Joel was more interested in this than just about anything else.
We all had a great time. It was so much fun to celebrate Joel's second birthday together. He is such a blessing to us and we spent the day being thankful for him and the joy he has brought to our family.
Joel was really excited about being on the train. He especially loved looking out the window at the other trains, cars, and train tracks. It was a rather long train ride since he did not want to sit still at all. Nor did he really want to be confined to our seat area. He wanted to roam the train, of course!
We got off the train at the Brookfield stop when we should have gotten off at the Zoo stop. Due to a small miscommunication neither of us actually knew how to walk to the zoo from there. We used the phone's GPS which took us down 31st street, a four lane road with no sidewalks, just a grassy area on the side which at points was blocked by trees. After a good twenty minute walk we finally arrived!
Joel wanted to see the ellas (elephants) first but unfortunately the exhibit was closed. Instead we saw the bears, my personal favorite.
We also visited the swamp, Tropic World, the children's petting zoo, and the playground.
As usual, Joel was more interested in this than just about anything else.
We all had a great time. It was so much fun to celebrate Joel's second birthday together. He is such a blessing to us and we spent the day being thankful for him and the joy he has brought to our family. 
14 comments:
Sorry for the wrong train stop! What a bummer... but at least a nice walk!
Joel looks so adorable in his knit hat!
how fun! that bear looks so comfy and cozy :)
love joel's little hat!
Oh! I love Brookfield Zoo! I really miss it. Looks like a great day (except the long walk). Cute pics! Happy Birthday Joel!
What a great way to celebrate Joel's birthday (sorry about the wrong train stop, though - that stinks!). I loved all of the pictures!!
what a fun way to spend Joel's birthday! i love that last shot. nothing more fun that running free!!!
What a fun day! My dad keeps trying to get me to take the train there.
I read in the paper awhile ago (the day after we went this summer) that this is the first time the B. Zoo doesn't have elephants. The last one was on loan from atlanta (I think) and his time with us was up.
How fun to go to the zoo on the train! Bummer about the wrong stop and confusion ... oh well, it's the journey, right? I always love Joel in the yellow striped shirt and I LOVE the tunnel shot.
PS - Re the elephants, this may be wrong but I feel like my friend from Chicago talked about some lawsuit against the zoo saying they didn't treat the elephants humanely. Maybe they won?
Looks like a great family day!! I LOVE days like that! What a sweet family you have.
What a *fabulous* way to spend the big day! That's so cool. Sorry about the wrong train stop... that would have stressed . me . out .
Brilliant idea taking the train to the zoo as well. We've thought about taking S on the train to nowhere (essentially just a round trip) but we never get around to it...
Bummer about the elephants. Maybe you should come visit us and see ours?! :-)
a train ride and the zoo - that's pretty much my boys' perfect day. i'm sure joel was beyond thrilled.
Sounds like a great day at the zoo for Joel's birthday (even with a little detour in the beginning). I love Brookfield Zoo. LOVE the tunnel shot!
We had hoped to go to a train museum yesterday for D's birthday, but an ice storm kept us at home all day. It's OK...it was quiet and calm.
What a fun day! His party was amazing and looks like you made the most of every minute celebrating your sweet boy!
Joel's smile on the last photo says it all! Looks like a fun day!
i'm cracking up thinking about you guys walking along 31st street with no sidewalks! were you arguing? b and i would have been arguing for sure!
i'm glad you eventually made it there. i can tell joel is having a blast! he has the cutest little grin and i can imagine him being ornery on the train. so funny - and hits a little close to home!
Post a Comment