Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Bean ~


While in Chicago, my son said he wanted to see the Bean.  I had never heard of the Bean.  According to Wikipedia . . .

"Cloud Gate, a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, is the centerpiece of the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park within the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The sculpture and AT&T Plaza are located on top of Park Grill, between the Chase Promenade and McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink. Constructed between 2004 and 2006, the sculpture is nicknamed "The Bean" because of its bean-like shape. Made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together, its highly polished exterior has no visible seams. It is 33 by 66 by 42 feet (10 by 20 by 13 m), and weighs 110 short tons (100 t; 98 long tons)."

Here we are at the entrance of Millennium Park.  For those of you who have mentioned my son never smiles in his pics, here's one for you.



Here's the Bean.  Isn't it just too cool?


That's me at the very bottom taking the picture.


Can you find me again?  (Kind of like Where's Waldo?)




There are two identical fountains at the Park maybe 200 feet apart and the area in between has several inches of water for people to wade or play in. Periodically, faces are projected on to the fountains.



The eyes open and close and the lips move . . .


. . . and every so often they spit water simultaneously.
 

The kids had a blast.  Here's Jake with his 5 year old cousin Alexis.



Getting kisses from Tessa.


We had a great family trip to Chicago.  How nice to spend time with two of my favorite people, visiting some of my favorite people.
Thank you for stopping by.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
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14 comments:

  1. acorn hollowAugust 10, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    It looks like so much fun. I love the bean.
    looks like you had a good trip.
    Cathy

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  2. Cathy G.August 10, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    So cool Lauren! Some day I'll have to visit that BEAN! Pretty awesome! I can just imagine Jake was really impressed!
    It's so nice to be able to spend time with family and do some fun things together!
    Hugs!
    Cathy G

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  3. The Barn DoorAugust 10, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Looks like such a cool family trip!! And this is the first time I've ever seen a picture of you Lauren!! Nice to put a face to you!

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  4. Primitives By The Light of The MoonAugust 11, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    What a FUN road trip and loved seeing the bean and what it does...it was well worth the stop!

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  5. JoanneAugust 11, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Wow never heard of the Bean but it sure is cool! Loved the pics of you all - all those happy faces and smiles!

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  6. Sassafras and WinterberryAugust 11, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    What a great trip. Cool bean! Thanks for sharing all the fun family photos.

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  7. BeckyjeanAugust 11, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Good Morning Lauren~

    The bean is so cool. I never heard of it. Glad you had a wonderful time.

    Have a great day~Becky

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  8. CammieAugust 11, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    It looks like you all had such a fun trip!! Thanks for sharing!
    Cammie

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  9. KimAugust 11, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Not sure which is the best - the bean or the spitting faces. Looks like fun. What a great experience for you all to get together.

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  10. Furry BottomsAugust 11, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    HOW on earth do they keep that Bean clean and shiny all day long, every day?!

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  11. TheCrankyCrowAugust 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Awwww....he does smile....and looks dang good when he does too (ok....he looks good either way....) ;o)

    That is really cool...You know, I live - what 4 hours from Chicago...been to Chicago...but have never heard of The Bean....Love it!! Those fountains are awesome! They had street fountains in Scottsdale too, but not spitting faces!! Too funny!!

    Looks like a great family time - and you make one nice-looking family!!! You're so pretty Lauren!!!

    Happy Thursday!! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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  12. Cheri back to larkriseAugust 11, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Wow that is so cool! I have never seen anything like that!

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  13. weaverpatAugust 11, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    The bean is cool beans! Never saw anything like it. Cute pictures of the kids!

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  14. prims by olde lady morganAugust 11, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Lauren,
    I live about 45minutes from the city and only saw the been for the first time this winter... It really is pretty neat, isn't it?
    I love Jake with his front teeth missing.... OLM

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. Your comments are much appreciated :)