National Aquarium

On Memorial Day (May 31st) we decided to take a little trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. We figured that it was just as good of a day as any other day that Tyson has off work. So, we packed some lunches, got the directions, waited for Grandpa Rowberry and then headed off to the harbor. It ended up being pretty awesome!

The drive was about an hour long, but seemed to go by quickly because we were playing with my parents' new GPS. It was pretty sweet and accurate within a couple hundred feet. So, it was a good time! It even showed us the various gas stations, restaurants, etc. along our route! I was thoroughly impressed. Maybe someday we will get one.

After purchasing our tickets (no, sadly it's not a Smithsonian museum and is NOT free) we had to wait around for a bit since our tickets were timed-entry tickets (as they all are, apparently). We walked around the harbor and looked at the various boats and ships and submarines that were docked. Many of them were used in at least one of the wars and were now just for tours. Reed really wanted to run on to the boats, but (being the mean parents that we are) we didn't want to pay for him just to run on a boat. So, we looked, took pictures and found other things to do........like feed birds and ducks!

Reed has a slight obsession with birds. He tries to catch them all the time! There is, however, a minor flaw in how he tries to catch them. He yells, "Hello! Birdie!" For some reason, they always seem to fly away. Go figure :) Well, there were various pigeons walking around (I call them rats with wings....that's how much I like them) and Reed was instantly hooked. He followed them around and then Grandpa tore up some parts of our rolls fed the mangy things. Reed LOVED it. Finally, the pigeons flew away. Luckily, there were a pair of ducks swimming in the harbor. Naturally, Grandpa fed the ducks with the rolls as well. Reed LOVED this even more (if that's possible). Reed would throw the roll pieces in and just giggle when the ducks ate them. It was a good time.

Before we knew it, it was time to go into the aquarium. It was actually awesome! Reed loved the entrance because they had a waterfall. I think he would have been content to stay there the entire day, but we decided to press on to the actual aquarium. We did lots of fun things:

* saw a bird (I already forgot the type)
* watched these bubbles (Reed's favorite thing)
* saw all sorts of sting ray in a giant pool
* saw sharks (the tank was HUGE)
* saw various fish from all over the earth
* saw a dolphin show
* saw jelly fish and read about how they are taking over the sea
* played with the softest sand I have ever touched
* got to see a Rain forest habitat
* saw alligators
* saw lots of turtles
* maybe more that I am forgetting

Needless to say, the day was full of fun and interesting discoveries! Reed was super interested in everything! I love how curious he is. During the dolphin show he just sat there with the widest eyes as if he was just soaking it all in to his memory. He also really loved the jelly fish (random, I know). As we were leaving we had to take another moment to stare at the bubbles. Reed was hesitant to leave.

Eve was such a good little baby throughout the entire day! We couldn't use our stroller, so she was in a backpack for lots of hours (not the comfiest place to be), but she was just content. I really lucked out with this baby. She is spoiling me during the day :)

Before we knew it, it was time to get in the car and make the trek back to god 'ol Northern VA. We didn't hit any traffic again (it was a miracle) and made great time! We came home exhausted, but happy :)

A submarine.... the teeth were pretty ferocious

I think this was called The Cheasapeake

One of many pigeons

Ducks!!!!

The entrance waterfall

Grandpa Rowberry and Reed...Reed's hair looked so much lighter in the sun! It was shocking!

Don't mind the red thing on my lip - I was getting over a cold sore (and I have the bad habit of sort of picking at them)

That's a huge sting ray (I know, it's too dark)





One of many birds or "birdies"

Content Eve

Another waterfall

Photo gone right :)

Watching some turtles

Seriously the softest sand I have ever felt

Jelly fish...yuck

The bubbles...