Sarasota Day 1, Part 2

During rounds 2 and 3, we needed to take a break from the fields and the sun so we headed off to the local aquarium.  Thankfully, both kids conked out in the car and got some much needed rest.

Sadly, we had to wake them up and get moving since we wanted to get back to the fields in time for the last game.  Neither Finley or Eliot were psyched to be woken up, but all was forgiven once we were inside the aquarium surrounded by fish.

We saw lots of great things, but I cracked up when we got to the seahorse tank and pointed them out to Finley. His response was "Mister!" from our beloved Mister Seahorse book by Eric Carle, quickly followed by "Tapia?" which means Tilapia another fish character in the book.  He was looking around the tank for the tilapia who should have been nearby...Wow--this kid has a memory!

Later we saw some teeny-tiny seahorses, some just a week old.  Just like in our book when the babies are born at the end! i was probably more excited about that connection than Finley :)

We walked through the indoor part of the aquarium and into the outside portion where Finley came across this tank and pointed out "round and round" and was just entranced.

 Some interactive fun here.

 Then, some hysterical photo ops.  Eliot had no interest, but Finley was a total ham. These are some of my favorite picts in recent memory!

 

Then, we got to some touch tanks.  Eliot touched, Finley said "enough" and refused.

 We ate some ice cream and french fries (hooray for vacation diets!) and then moved on the sea turtle exhibit.  Finley was nervous at first, but then totally enthralled.  Sangwha, Eliot, and I were, too.  These creatures are beautiful, graceful swimmers. And I loved how all the tanks had kid-level windows!

We finished up with some HUGE manatees and a dolphin.  Not bad for less than two hours! We raced back to the fields and the boys were already up 5-1 when we got back so at least we didn't miss anything too vital :) I love aquariums and everyone had fun, mission accomplished.