NC Aquarium

We took a nice trip to visit my parents this weekend.  Since they live so close to the beach, we always make a day trip down to Atlantic Beach to let the kids play in the ocean and collect shells.

Sean was having so much fun, we really did have to peel him away when we left to go to the aquarium.  I think he could have stayed there all day, but rain clouds were rolling in for afternoon showers.  

Brilee did NOT enjoy the water.  One time getting in the water, which she thought was cold, and she would not go back in.

Sean's pants were too big and kept falling down.  I think we had to remind him to pull them up a gazillion times.  He could have cared less--he just enjoyed the waves so much.  

It was a nice overcast day, not too hot and very breezy.  Perfect beach weather!

They (well, I guess I should say "we") got tired of the sand and the waves after a couple of hours, then we headed to the NC Aquarium.   These pictures were uploaded from my phone to this post, and did not load in order for some reason.  

Watching the otters swim and dive across the water.


Brilee was mesmerized by the first tank of fish we saw and didn't want to leave to see the rest!



Looking at the bottom of the waterfall.



Each of those labels on the outerbanks is the name of a sunken ship...NC really is the graveyard of the Atlantic!



These are the penguins in the new exhibit...The picture didn't turn out very well.  They are African Penguins, so they don't live in cold weather--never knew that before!



This shark was very large and kept baring and showing his many sets of teeth.  He looked like he wanted to eat someone!  I was thankful for the large glass between him and all the children!

Otter again.


Brilee looking at a turtle

Large, teeth showing-off Shark again

Lilly was mesmerized by the large fish in the shipwreck exhibit.


These turtles were sunbathing...

And this one was having fun looking at Brilee

Alligator

The kids loved these sharks' mouth



I wish their eyes looked better--love this pic!

Waterfall at the beginning of the aquarium

Climbing the frog

Climbing the turtle

 Kissing the alligator (not real!--thought I had to clarify since the lighting was poor)

At the stingray tank...Sean got up the courage and actually touched one!

The pics did not load in order, so this was obviously at Grandpa and Grandma's house.  Sean has gotten so big and heavy!

Sean mesmerized at the tank

It is amazing how large these fish were--and the sharks were in there with them--not sure why they didn't get eaten!  We think they must feed the sharks enough to curb their appetite! :)


Fishing off the pier at grandma & grandpa's house...

beautiful view

being silly :)

aww...

Jon was trying to take a profile pic...Sean was trying to get in every one of them

Handsome little guy

Camping

I took Sean camping this past weekend along with some other families from our church.  We had a great time of fellowship, fishing, and eating!  This was the second time I've gotten to take Sean camping at Cane Creek park in Union Co.  It's a fantastic location with plenty of things for kids to do.  The campsites are set up for campers or tents and they have fire rings and picnic tables at each one also.

Sean was a little disappointed this time since he wasn't able to catch a fish like he did last time, but he still had fun with the worms and practicing his casting.  The kids found some baby turtles in the lake and had fun playing with them, although I don't think the baby turtles felt the same way.

After a full afternoon of getting the campsite fixed up and fishing, we had burgers and hotdogs on the campfire along with vegetable packs.  For dessert we had S'mores, then went around the circle and gave encouraging words to the person beside them about what they had done well that day.  Next, we went around the circle with A to Z about God game; which if you have played it before goes like this: "A, God is All powerful; B, God's creation is Beautiful…"

After a fairly good nights sleep (as good as you can sleep on the ground). Sean got me up early at 5:45, but was patient enough to wait until 6 to get up and out of the tent.  We worked on getting the fire started again from the hot coals that were left, and after a while we had the fire going again and our breakfast of Sausage, Bacon, and Eggs was well on it's way.  We had Orange juice and Blueberry Amish Friendship bread muffins to go along with it.

After breakfast we didn't have much time left to do any more activities at the camp ground, we had to pack up all our stuff and head back home to Amber and the girls.  Sean always has such a great time camping, I'm looking forward to the time when we can go as a whole family and we can stay for longer than just one night.  Until then though, I need these little outings myself to practice and learn what works best.

Mother's Day

Recent Videos of the Kids

Playing football after a long couple of days being cooped up inside due to rain...

First time swimming of the season...

Dancing to music at Beachfest in downtown Matthews...