Aquarium Adventures

Our first trip to an aquarium actually resulted in trips to TWO different aquariums in one month.  Ava and I took a trip to visit Uncle B in Tulsa to see the Oklahoma Aquarium, and then a few weeks later Josh and I took the A-train to the new Sea Life Aquarium in KC.  We had a great time at both aquariums, and they were both fun in their own ways.  I am not sure which one wins!

The Oklahoma Aquarium was HUGE and did not disappoint.  Ava had a great time exploring with Uncle B, and made sure he touched everything before she even considered it.    

Checking out the fishies and other sea creatures - here were ones that she could touch.

Feeding the shrimp with Uncle B....they weren't interested in the food at all, but Ava thought it was great.

Feeding the shrimp...we had a hard time tearing her away from them.

Fascinated by the starfish.  She would touch the glass and yell "I touch it!"  She was so proud. 

Whoa - a huge, old turtle.  She was totally freaked out. (Can you blame her?)

Ava's favorite part of the aquarium....this ginormous raccoon.  That thing was HUGE.  And no, I have no idea why there was a raccoon at the aquarium.  But she thought he was awesome.

Her favorite fish tank - beautiful!

Checking out the sting rays...still not brave enough to touch them.  Thank goodness Uncle B was there!

Another  Ava favorite - they fed the bass fish, who just about jumped out of the water for the food.

At the end we stopped at the gift shop and let Ava pick something out.  Surprise, surprise, she picked the raccoon.  And then she named him "Papa."  He has barely left her side since we got home.


Next stop, the Sea Life Aquarium at Crown Center.  This one wasn't as large, but was just beautiful!  Our little family of 3 had a great time exploring....

The "Touch  Pool."  Again, still wasn't interested in touching the animals.

Ava and daddy climbed in here to look at the fishies.  

She was absolutely fascinated by the guys cleaning the tanks, and stood there for quite awhile watching them.

We wrapped up the day with a little digging for bones in the sandbox, and playing in the climbing gym.  She even got a medal when all was finished - and of course this girl loves her necklaces and has been wearing it all over the house.