Spring Break ‘09: Part 1, Aquarium Visit
One of my philosophies as a parent is to take my children on adventures at least once a day. Sometimes, the adventure can be as simple as a car race to the park. On Tuesday, it was a trip to the Aquarium, where we are annual passport holders. I suppose it was as much of an adventure for them to explore the variety of creatures of the sea as it was for me to push and carry them through it all by myself.
It turned out to be quite a pleasant day. I am proud to report that there were no tantrums, disobedience, screaming, or hitting. Do I have a secret? No, I took a chance in taking two boys out on my own, and I got lucky. It also helped that they were well rested with full bellies, and I had good timing ;). So what if my shoes didn’t match my outfit. The greatest triumph of the day was getting them out the door when they were still in good, energetic spirits.
When we got there, the main parking structure next to the Aquarium was closed off. We were directed to a parking lot seemingly miles away, and were offered a shuttling service to the Aquarium entrance. This is how Nathan experienced his first bus ride.
Nathan was such a good helper. After unloading off the bus, he helped me open the stroller by pulling open the latch so that I could kick the stroller open with one hand and foot (Justin was in the other arm). He’s 3 years and 8 months! I was proud of the way he was able to follow directions. I had the kindness of strangers help me carry the stroller off the bus both times.
Our visit to the Aquarium entailed:
A lesson with a diver about California’s sea life. We could barely hear him speak over the children’s talking and waving, with my Justin being the most enthusiastic. He didn’t care if the diver wasn’t looking at him, he kept waving until he got his attention. So cute!
Nathan’s mission find sharks and octopi.
Nathan’s endless questions about kelp. Good thing I took some biology courses in college that helped me explain some of the questions. Also, the little info plaques on the walls didn’t hurt either :).
Nathan’s endless questions about everything. I love that he asks so many substantial questions. He loves to fill his little head with info. Sometimes, I have to say I don’t know, and that we’ll have to read up on it. Other times, I’ll know the answer, or I’ll read off the plaques. I love learning with my children!
A churro break.
Frolicking in their water play area.
I didn’t get too many pictures because I haven’t mastered taking pictures one handed with baby in the other arm. I’m also not that great at taking pictures because I am so caught up in the moment when it happens. Most of the time, I take mental pictures. So, the experiences I have with my children are sometime just ours; just one of the perks of being Mom.
April 9th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Awww. How fun!
Aside… I had a dream that I was playing and singing with your kids last night. It was kind of out of the blue, but I guess it goes to show I’m thinking of you guys.
April 9th, 2009 at 11:39 am
What a fun adventure! I just love doing things like this with Elijah, too. I think it’s so good for them to experience all kinds of things when their minds are in the stage where they are absorbing EVERYTHING. Good for you, Mama, for getting out with your boys! And I’m glad the stars aligned for you so you were able to avoid tantrums. YAY!