But no…we didn’t use it much. Kris got a few pictures of a turtle and a little alligator but none of the boys that I recall. So, I’m not posting the reptile images of our trip to the Aquarium in Chattanooga.
We had decided to do something special with the boys since Kris had a full week off with no guests and we had hoped to do it earlier in the week but it’s amazing how quickly the days fill up with necessary stuff when you open the door of opportunity. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday all became occupied with trips to events (Terra Nova), a New Years party (a fun night with friends from church), church, doctor appointments (Kris at the eye-doctor and dentist, and Ivan and Aron for 2 year and 3 month well visits) and more. It was still a good week, we still relaxed, set our schedule for the most part and enjoyed our time, but we weren’t able to do our little day trip until Friday. It still worked out very well and we all had a great time.
The boys really enjoyed the aquarium…the IMAX movie and the food. We made a return trip to “Cheeburger, Cheeburger” where we had gone before on a similar trip with the Fadelys. Our drive down was more pleasant this time around as it wasn’t the same day as the beginning of Bonnaroo. Everything went smoothly in fact, I commend Kris on his planning and executing skills for the day. The new salt water aquarium was impressive. I think Kris and I both enjoyed it a little more than the Florida aquarium even…that’s saying quite a bit. One particular section where you walk into a cave like setting and are surrounded by windows into the aquarium is very enjoyable. I would love to sleep like that. The fresh water aquarium was somewhat anti-climactic after the salt water, but I had voted we do it in that order to ensure seeing the salt-water aquarium. Not knowing how the boys would act, especially a nursing baby (the fresh water aquarium has a nursing mother’s room…whoo Hoo!), I wasn’t for the whole “save the best for last” routine. After viewing both aquariums with lunch in between we walked across the street to the IMAX theater to view a 3D movie of underwater creatures. It was interesting and fun and Owen really enjoyed it. Ivan was in the midst of nap time but thankfully was able to get comfortable enough in daddy’s lap to drop off to sleep, wearing his 3D glasses and everything. Aron got hungry but with the theater seating and a good blanket I was able to solve that problem without embarrassing anyone.
We left the theater and walked up a block to the Creative Discovery Museum. It looks like a giant indoor playground from the outside and we would have paid the $9.00 fee to have a look around, but we arrived at 4:00 and they closed at 5:00 so we decided we would do it another time. We toyed around with spending an hour at the zoo but I voted to save that for next time as well. My feet were tired and I felt we would be pushing the good nature of our boys to try an outdoor walking activity in the cold. Instead, I suggested we step across the street from the IMAX to the Perky Piranha and have something to drink. The little coffee shop also had ice cream, shakes, pastries and smoothies. Kris and I each got a smoothie and we all shared a little strudel thingy (as well as our smoothies). It was fun and made me feel refreshed before piling back into the van and heading home.
It’s exciting to do those activities when at least one of the boys can really appreciate it as Owen did. I anticipate Ivan and Aron being deeply engrossed in all of it before too long as well.
Today is our “spend the whole day at home if at all possible” day. I’m still in my pajamas at 10:30 and I feel completely okay with that. As the Titan’s have made their way into the play-offs we are planning to invite our Sunday school class over to watch the game tomorrow afternoon. So I have a lot of cleaning and straightening to do. I’ll get to it eventually. My event planning husband has already scheduled a meeting with me to discuss our game plan. I love it that he cares and gets involved with hosting. It hasn’t always been that way and I try to cooperate, lest I ruin a good thing.
It’s funny but when we went to the aquarium we went to the freshwater first with the whole “save the best for last” idea. And while I enjoyed both of them I felt a little short changed on the saltwater side. Since the freshwater side was so big, we left the saltwater side saying ‘is that all there is’? I did really enjoy the whole experience and definitely want to go back again. But I’d really love to stay the night and see more of Chattanooga- I’ve heard they have some great shopping.
I remember the whole “Bonaroo” debacle but woe, that was years ago. I think the Fadely’s and Kelso’s could all fit in the same vehicle!
It’s so nice that you guys had some time away together. I’m sure it was much needed and well deserved.
I meant “wow” that was years ago- not woe. I’m not trying to sound like the apocalypse or anything. duh.
That sounds like so much fun! Hooray for the nursing mothers room! There really should be more of those.
And hooray for pajamas until 10:30!
Oooooo, you guys must check out the New Orleans Aquarium at some point. It’s pretty cool, I must say. The kids and I were blessed with a family membership for Christmas from some generous friends from church, so I’m pretty sure we will head out there soon. I’ll think of you when we do.