On Wednesday, I packed up the kids, with my mom hitching along, and we made the short 2-hour trek to the city! The main reason for going was to meet up with Jennifer McKinney, a.k.a.
MckMama, for a little photo shoot. To say I was excited is an understatement! Not only was I excited to meet an amazing woman, whose blog I started following in 2009 when I heard about her precious
Stellan, but I was also looking forward to meeting the lady that inspired me to try to take better photos of my children. You see, after seeing the amazing photos she posted of her children nearly everyday, I wanted to have pictures that awesome of my own kids. I started scouring her blog for what type of camera and lenses she used, and anxiously awaited her blog posts with photo tips. I eventually found some online classes that really helped me understand the settings on my camera better and how to shoot in manual. But her blog is what really planted the bug in me.
So when I heard she was going to be traveling through Chicago and offering photo shoots to her blog readers, I jumped at the chance! I knew that even if the kids didn't fully cooperate, she would walk away with amazing pictures of them!
So we were going to meet up with Jennifer at the
Garfield Park Conservatory. Where? I know. I have been to Chicago several times and had never heard of it before either. But it was a location chosen for its free admission, and it would be a great location to shoot photos INDOORS. Yes, the weather is still chilly, and it is the rainy season, so it was imperative to find a scenic indoors venue. It worked out great!
We arrived nice and early, because we wanted to explore before our photo shoot. It was a beautiful place!
Can you see the frog? There were turtles, too!
After about an hour an a half of exploring, we found Jennifer, and began our shoot. She was so great with the kids. I mean, of course she was! She has five children of her own, and they are all close in ages to MJ and Allison. Michael had her laughing a few times with his stories. I especially liked how he talked to her about "Yoga" being in Star Wars. Too funny!
The shoot went well for the most part. I mean, Allison decided at that moment that she didn't want mommy or grandma to put her down. Then when she was down, she wouldn't let go of her snack cup. Also, at one point Michael ran off, and grandma had to chase him down. But I know Jennifer was able to get some nice shots. I really wanted a picture of the two of them together, but I didn't have high expectations, because Allison usually doesn't want her brother in her space. That was pretty much how she felt during the photo shoot too. But we managed to get them to sit next to each other for a second. I am sure there were no big natural smiles, but we will see what she was able to capture. I always walk away from a photo shoot exhausted and nervous that it didn't go well. Then I see the pictures and I am always pleasantly surprised. Since I have seen Jennifer's work, I know this will be no exception. I can't wait to see them! I know they will be great!
After the photos, we hung around the conservatory just a bit longer, then headed to the
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier. This is another spot we have not been to before, so I was looking forward to it. We have been to the aquarium and several other museums, but not this one. We were not disappointed!
The first room we found was the fort room. It was a room filled with blankets, and props (furniture) for the kids to drape the blankets over to build living room forts. Allison quickly found some couch cushions, and made herself cozy.
Then we had to stop for this Kodak moment, in the Play It Safe area.
It wasn't long before MJ spotted the rope climbing feature, that was built to look like a schooner. Here he is patiently waiting his turn.
Up he goes!
In the WaterWays Room
Decided to put a raincoat on her, because she was getting soaking wet!
she loved that room!
Hi mom!
This next room was super cool! It was called "Big Backyard" and was a lot of interactive play.
This is Allie, with a butterfly landing on her head!
Michael as a butterfly
Allison as a beetle
Dinosaur bone search
Kids Town
Looking out the window in the Fort Room
Looking out the window towards the interior of the main building at Navy Pier. We were on the second floor, and the Easter Bunny was just below this sign.
And here is Allie with the best Easter Bunny ever! We couldn't get MJ up there, but Allie wasn't so thrilled herself!
What a great time and a great day! But I think I posted enough pictures for now, ya think? Just wait. Kindergarten round up and Easter is next!
