The Pier Aquarium // CENTRAL FLORIDA TREASURE

This was our second family day trip this month and it was a treat, despite the rain. We received free tickets to The Pier Aquarium through the Smithsonian because today was national museum day. Asher has been anxiously anticipating our trip to the aquarium for a week and we knew it would be a great time. 

We had lunch at Fresco's Waterfront Bistro, which was fun for the kids because we overlooked all of the boats. While eating, the rain began and we had to act creatively as we walked a mile or so to our destination. Everyone was a little wet, but thankfully, we all love the rain!

 The Pier was packed with families waiting to enter the aquarium. Thankfully there was ice cream, balloon making and other activities for the kids to watch while we waiting. As soon as we got off the elevator, Asher was glowing.

It was magical to watch the kids' faces light up as they saw the first tank of glorious fish. Nothing could be better then witnessing the wonder and awe at God's creation.

Of course, my children saw "Nemo" right away. They both parroted it over and over again. It was funny to hear, since they have only seen 15 minutes of the movie. They are little sponges, aren't they?

Even though the place was crowded, it almost felt like we had the place to ourselves as my children stood in absolute awe of every fish, coral reef and crab.

We were very excited about the touch and feel station that I read about online on the museum webpage, but due to the crowds, it was closed. We will just have to come back another time! Thankfully, Asher didn't remember that we told him he could touch the sea creatures.

Craig and I wish he knew a little bit more about what we were looking at. Unfortunately, we could only say, "Wow. Look at that one!"

This was a diagram of what the insides of a fish look like. Asher thought is was fascinating.

The kids really loved flipping up this flaps to see what fish were underneath.

Asher tried playing with this for a bit, but couldn't figure out the purpose and neither could I, honestly.

And to end our trip, we had a stranger take a picture of us. Yes, Alethea does have her finger up her nose. Oh well! Add that to our dilemmas, I guess!