Here Fishy Fishy...

What do you do in the Outer Banks, when it rains for 3 days straight and you have two small children to entertain? That's right...you make the trip to the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island and you let them run around like crazy people.

It was so cute watching them discover all the different tanks and the different creatures.  They did their own thing, but found that often times they called each other over to check out what they had found.  I thought that was precious, sharing their finds with each other.

Olivia thought the Sting Ray tank was one of the coolest things since sliced bread, and she enjoyed using the two finger touch to get acquainted with the "big fish with wings" . Avery wasn't having it, she was a big frightened, and I can say with 0% confidence that it had nothing to do with the fact that a Sting Ray tried to jump out of the tank when I happened to be bending over to look in and I responded by screaming and jumping back! Way to inspire confidence and courage in your children Leigh!

We timed it just right and were able to sit through the presentation at the big tank, it included divers going into the tank and then was quickly followed by the fish feeding.  I even thought it was super cool to watch the feeding.  The largest shark wanted nothing to do with the feeding because it wasn't the right type of food, but how she knew that without trying it, is beyond me.  Apparently they only feed her 1-2 times a week or so...can you imagine only eating 1-2 times a week?

The girls loved the Sea Turtle exhibit, which included a simulation of diagnosing, treating and releasing Sea Turtles.  The first step was putting on your Scientist Lab Coat and picking out your injured Sea Turtle,  You then worked with your turtle at the diagnosis station, which included x-rays, blood work and a physical exam, all simulated based on the chip that the reader found in the specific turtle you selected, pretty cool if you ask me.

After diagnosis, we went to treatment section where you got to help treat the turtle. Did you know that honey is used to fight infection and protect the "skin"? I had no idea.

And when it was time for recovery and release the girls wished the turtles luck and sent them on their way.  I thought the Aquarium did a great job creating a very interactive exhibit, perfect for the girls age. Brad and I said several times how glad we were that we made the trip, and that it really appeared as though the girls enjoyed themselves.  We now are looking forward to a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium, and hopeful we can meet up with some friends (Jenni, hint hint hint), maybe in the Spring?

 We stopped at Sweet Frog on the way home...can you guess what kind of ice cream Avery enjoyed? And we dined at Sam and Omie's for lunch, a landmark of the Outer Banks - YUM.