Museum hopping

As we've noted here before, the Chicago Public Library system offers free passes to the more popular institutions in the city. But the most popular passes are hard to get - at least at our local branch, where they're displayed on the circulation desk for all to see.

Every time Dad goes to the library, which he does at least once a week, he looks for passes to two big ones in particular - the Museum of Science and Industry and The Field Museum - and leaves empty-handed.

But the pass for the Museum of Science and Industry was there on Monday, and Dad brought it home. We didn't waste any time with it, either; we went to the museum today.

We started in the Farm Tech exhibit, where Levynn jumped into the big rigs.




She also tried to milk a fake cow and cuddle with a very real - and just-hatched - chick.



This is the Chicago portion of a huge train set that also included Seattle and several other locations in the United States. See the giant hull looming above the display?


That would be this life-sized 727.


Next to that are these old planes.


And below those is this engine. That's Levynn in front of it.


While the "big people" enjoyed yummy treats in the ice cream parlor, Lincoln enjoyed his reflection.


Levynn showed off her strength with this climb. Mom just spotted her.


Then the two of them danced for the heat sensor.


This is just a cool picture, Dad thought.


Before we left, Levynn wanted to go back to Farm Tech.


We have a lot more photos of a lot more exhibits, but you get the idea. We were at the museum for all but 1 1/2 hours that it was open, and it was well worth the time. We think it beats the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.

Up next: The Field Museum. After arriving back at home today, Dad had to return several library items that were due and decided to drop off the museum pass since we were done with it. And what did he see? That longed-for pass to the Field Museum!