This year we decided to buy an annual membership to the aquarium. It seemed like a good decision since we live to far away, all we would have to worry about was gas to get there and no the price of what it would cost to get in. So far, a great decision it was. The best part, it came with two guest passes, just the perfect amount when we want to take the cousins with us, or grandparents, or whoever. We love love love it.
We took our trip over Easter vacation at the end of April. It was busy, super busy, but we managed to have a great time. A day filled with lots of fun and new things to see and a very funny little stories and a funny little coincidence to top it off (though I think I will leave the coincidence to Lance to write here later, I’m sure he will tell it better!)
We packed up a cooler with lunch items and beverages, layered in some ice and a few changes of clothes for the kids and books and other fun car activities, threw it all into the back of our little Honda CRV and hit the road. The traffic wasn’t so bad, though it could have been better and the kids didn’t get too bored. We made a pit stop at Casa De Fruta and stocked up on some tasty road snacks, like yogurt covered pretzels, peanuts and chocolate covered marshmallows (my favorite!!! well, anything that has to do with marshmallows are super awesome!).
Two hours later we arrive and the smell of the ocean has to be on of the BEST smells in the world. I would live there if I could. I love the smell of the sea. We ate a quick lunch in the back of the car, grabbed our sweaters (much cooler that we thought it was going to be!) and headed for the aquarium!
We parked on the very top level of the parking garage. Its easiest when you have little ones… and the view couldn’t be beat!
There are a lot of pictures…but seriously, what wouldn’t you want to take a picture of at an aquarium! Enjoy!
First the kelp forest.
Then the touch tanks, the favorite thing of the day.
Then the jellies, mom and dads favorite thing of the day!
The pinkies.
The one with the directional issue, I couldn’t tell you which end was what!
The transparent mini’s
and the swarm. All amazing creatures.
Who is bigger than a baby whale?
The outer bay
The sea horses and sea dragons, another family favorite.
Can you find the yellow sea horse? He blends in really well!
The leafy sea dragon.
My sea dragon babies!
Then it was on to the penguins. Xander fell in love with penguins this year.
Happy as a clam? They were for most of the day. We were very thankful for all the new climb on stuff they had for the little ones. They loved it. They now have a special place just for the kids to play and climb and even water cannons and boats. It was awesome.
Hungry as a newly hatched penguin? Yes they were!
The wave tunnel.
Here’s a funny little story. We leave the aquarium right about closing time, 5pm, and head back to our car with very tired and a bit hungry little ones to find this. A hitchhiker! We practically got to the doors before it flew away. We threw him a piece of bread for being our car guard and loaded up and went on our way.
We grabbed some dinner and headed home. We got home just in time for bedtime. They passed out quicker than we could say good night. It was so nice getting out of the house, out of Newman, just for a day. We can’t wait to go back!
And Lance will have to post another little story sometime tomorrow. It’s a pretty good one!
until next time!
<3
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