aquarium and DC with Emalie

We figured it was time for another trip to DC before Emalie left us, so we packed up our stuff and drove into the city (how's that for brave?), managed to find someplace to park for a fairly reasonable price and walked downtown. It was only about a 20 minute drive, and I'd looked up 4-5 places that might be reasonable parking, the third was successful :). The kids were really excited to see the aquarium because we heard there'd be a touch-tank. Turns out, there was no touch tank, and the aquarium, unlike everything else on the mall, is not free... I was a little disappointed, but the kids still had a great time, and it wasn't too expensive, but it wasn't that big either. I think if we want another aquarium experience while we live here we'll go all out and drive the hour up to Baltimore.

Rayna loved the alligators, there were 4 babies in this tank

Afton found an eel (it's in a tank with an old propeller or something so the eel's up top)

both girls were excited to see the ray burying itslef

and this black hairy crab was one of my favorites.

Afton correctly identified this leopard shark at first glance, without needing to read the sign, I was impressed!

Malachi was a bit grumpy and spent most of the time in the stroller. We got a lot later start than we'd planned, so it was too close to lunch and nap time for him to be really happy. I guess that's what happens when you try to do fun things when mom and Aunt Emalie are sick... we get a late start-- sorry again for sharing that cold!

after spending some time at the aquarium we headed back over to the natural history museum for some lunch, and then we went back up to the bones exhibit that we didn't have time for. By this time, Rayna was getting pretty tired too, so we didn't see much, just the bones rooms, but there were a few things that managed to excite her just the same!

a giant leatherback turtle, and a little turtle-mimic

then Afton had to get in on the acting, hello ostriches :)

We took a lengthy walk around and back to find our car, but we managed to see a couple cool things on our way

The Washington Monument is under repair due to a little earthquake... it's still one of the girls' favorite things to see

And Emalie liked holding it up, she's SO supportive ;)

by this time I was impressed Rayna would even smile for the picture with the white house, but we'd just walked past the official Christmas tree, so I think that helped... and she knew we were close to the car...

then we saw this statue, and the girls LOVED it! I was amazed, suddenly no one was tired and grumpy, just posing for pictures!

I didn't get a chance to actually see who/what the statues were, but it didn't matter cause it made everyone happy... and by this time Chi had fallen asleep in the stroller, so that helped too :)

it was a long, hot day, but I think we were all pretty happy at the outcome. Thanks Aunt Emalie for coming downtown with us!