Day 20 - The Aquarium

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Posted from: Long Beach, CA

Miles driven: 27

Total trip miles: 3,547

Mom had to work one more day, so Dad and the kids took off for the aquarium. 

They went to the Pacific Ocean Aquarium. It was a bit pricey, but they spent over five hours there and said it was worth it. 

They were amazed by the huge whale and baby whale hanging from the ceiling when you walk in. The aquarium had exhibits for endangered species, jellyfish, sting rays, migration, and marine life. 

The electric jellyfish and baby tiny jellyfish were favorites.

At the outdoor exhibits they met sea lions, seals, lots of sharks, and sting rays.

They were even allowed to touch a shark!!

One of the sting rays was as big as Dad!

They had many interactive areas. 

This guy was feeding the fish while taking to the audience. 

This is an anemone that the kids could touch. They said it felt very weird and almost suctioned to your fingers. 

The kids also learned about the area of the aquarium where they help injured animals. I also heard a lot about little baby alligators the length of a pencil. The word "cute" was used a lot.

Cameron touching a sting ray. "Don't worry, Mom. They took out the stinger." 

They came back to the house and we went swimming. Our friends had a puppy named Halle who was super sweet. Even though Caleb is very allergic to dogs, he was able to spend lots of time with Halle as long as she was wet and they were outside. These two became really good buddies. 

After an hour of Caleb throwing the ball and Halle swimming after it, it was time for a rest. 

That evening, we left Grace in charge of the kids while the adults went to a brewery meet up. (Thus the name tags. If your name wasn't Matt or Dave, they pretty much snubbed you. Thank goodness we had two Matts and a Dave...and the other guy in the picture is also Dave.)

We had a good time with lots and lots of laughs. We closed the place down...at 8:00. It was a brewery and not an actual bar, so it is required to stop serving at 8:00. 

We went home and continued to have a great night while Matt and Matt attempted to repair our tire rim that was giving us problems and caused the flat in Las Vegas. We sat in the garage and talked until late. We have really missed how much fun we have hanging out with these guys.