Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Garfield Park Conservatory


Last weekend we had beautiful springlike weather here. We wanted to let the kids run around outside but the snow was melting everywhere and it was just too muddy. So where else can you run around and feel like you are outside enjoying a beautiful day without the mud and melting snow to deal with but the Garfield Park Conservatory. We love this place! It's beautiful and huge and they even have a little room for children to play in! Right now they are hosting a special event that was actually very cool to participate in called Sweet Saturdays. All around the conservatory they had little stations with volunteers set up in front of different plants used for making sweets. They would teach you about the plant and then give you a little taste. We tasted bananas, cocoa beans, coconuts, cinnamon, etc. It was such a good idea but my one complaint was that crowds were bad. If you think you might want to check it out next weekend I'd recommend trying to go right when they open or right before closing.
This picture was taken just after Christmas when we went with my parents. Less crowds and beautiful as ever!

4 comments:

Karen said...

Is that Kerm in the photo or some mountain man-hitch hiker you picked up on the way??

Really, you have the most beautiful family! You're in big trouble when those darlings get to be dating age!

Jacqueline said...

I echo Karens comment, such a beautiful family. Looks like a great S! Miss you guys!

Erin said...

What honey kids. It sounds like you really enjoy this place and so do your kids. I want to go and try all the treats with the corresponding trees...sounds fun!

kir said...

How exotic!! I did not realize they actually grew bananas in Chicago--I should get out more...
Cute family shot, by the way, I always think it's a miracle if we can somehow manage to get the entire family in the same picture!!