Afternoon at the Aquarium

Recently we had a Saturday with nothing planned so we decided to head to the aquarium.  It ended up being a great day, one of the best we have had lately! We've learned the trick that if you show up to the aquarium with only one hour  left before it closes then you have the place all to yourself.  And one of the perks of having the membership is that you don't feel like you have to stay a long time and get your money's worth out of the experience since you can always come back.   In typical Holland road trip fashion we were on our way when we realized that Andrew was barefoot so we had to stop at Walmart to buy shoes...

The otters were awake and playing non stop. 

At first Kate and Andrew thought we were going to the pet store and kept asking where the guinea pigs were lol. 

I think Andrew would have jumped into the fish tanks if given the chance. He got as close as he could to the glass every single time. 

All the kids loved digging for sharks' teeth. 

Disclaimer: no children were physically harmed or long term emotionally traumatized during the following!

Ryan had the bright idea to do the hurricane simulator.  James was too scared (or perhaps too smart) to try it but believe it or not H, A, and K all got in.  

At first all were happy 

Then the wind starting picking up...

"Get me out Mama!" 

"Help!" 

"Whew we made it." 

" My name is Andrew and I survived the hurricane experience." 

The whole thing only took about 60 seconds and I confess Ryan and I were almost crying with laughter during it.  Needless to say it may be awhile before they try it again.

Gross picture of me but you have to include the family selfie! 

On the way home we stopped by El's for dinner. We didn't realize how much the temperature had dropped. It was FREEZING!!!

This actually may have been even more traumatizing than the hurricane simulator.  I have never seen these four kids eat so fast so they could jump back in the car.  What a memorable afternoon!