It has been a non-stop fun factory for the Johnson family! We've had friends visiting, my 29th birthday, and some excellent dessert. But an even more special treat came yesterday when we went to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
One perk of my job is getting invitations to special events at other Chicago destinations. So, when we were invited to a family event at the Lincoln Park Zoo we were all about it! There was one stipulation- the event was for Legislators, so I had to attend with my co-worker, a 40-something lobbyist and known to be a bit of a Debbie Downer. But I was worth it for the free parking, free food, and free run of the zoo that was closed for all but about 100 Illinois politicians-- and us!
One of the most memorable thing was going to see the Polar Bears. Josie was running down the path to get there like a mad woman screaming "Polar Bears! I'm coming!!!" We arrived just in time for the animal feeding. A totally unglamorous experience, the feeders basically threw chopped fish over the fence for the bears to scavenge. At one point, a grody bloody fish landed on one of the bears and blood and guts got all over its white fur. Sick! Luckily Josie was distracted at that moment by one of the other Polar Bears dropping a giant deuce. Josie yelled out "Mommy, that bear is going poop on the potty! What a big boy!"
At one point we passed a table of volunteers showing off some kind of crazy alligator purse. Turns out it was illegal (was it the alligator head that gave that away?), and they told us about all the other random things, including that purse and their full table of other stuff, police are constantly confiscating at O'Hare airport. They had a huge stash of things including a rhino horn, some boots made from the fur of endangered animals, and other creepy stuff. Who knew Chicago was a hotbed for that kind of thing?
Before we went home, we made a final stop at the carousel. We were the only ones there, so there was no line-- again, awesome! The guy let Josie walk around the entire carousel to pick out her favorite animal to ride. But of all the choices, she picked a red bench! Basically the handicapped seat! And so Russ, Josie, my random lobbyist co-worker, and I sat on the bench together and rode around. Not quite the youthful abandon I'd been expecting. When it was done, Josie said she wanted to go again, so I had grand hopes for round two. But after walking around and inspecting every animal again, she came back to the bench! The lamest! I guess you can't predict what's exciting to a two-year old...
Finally it was time to go home. On our way out, we found a mother bunny and 5 tiny baby bunnies playing on the sidewalk. Josie was totally psyched! (And lets be honest- I was psyched. Baby bunnies are the cutest!) We were watching them and at one point it seemed like Josie was going to pick one up. That's when the lobbyist said "Josie, you don't want to touch the baby bunnies. If you touch them, your scent will get on it, and when it goes back to its nest the mother will eat it."
AH!!!!!!!Good one. Thank you for that. Hey lobbyist, look over there! I think I see Obama!
All in all it was the best free entertainment we'd had in a while. I can't wait to go back!
Look at these big kids just having a snack at the table. What could be cuter?
For a blast from the past, here's a picture from one of Asher and Josie's first dates-- both of them are two months old. I can't believe how time has flown.
