We did visit the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday for one of the kids' Christmas gifts. It was the first time we'd been in nearly a year and a half, and they had redone a major section to add a sea lion show, added a penguin walk in the morning (we weren't there in time) and revamped the dolphin show.
We all had a really great time! The kids liked both shows the best, but as usual, the youngest had to stop for a bit right there inside the aquarium entrance to admire the fish in the large tanks right there. We teased Matthew that "this was the aquarium, hope you liked it; time to go back home!" But then we went in.
We did Tropical Diver first, and spent time with the jellies. The kids do NOT want to get wrapped up in those tentacles.
Next, we spent some time at that giant window checking out fish, waiting for the wave to come, and playing with the computers that help ID the fish.
The kids were pretty great about not climbing on too many displays this time, but there's always some of that.
The moving sidewalk was also a big hit under the big tunnel of sharks, rays, grouper and countless other beauties of the sea, and a highlight of our visit for me was Matthew holding on to my leg while we rode along together.
Libby loved going in front of the various giant viewing windows and pretending she was swimming in the water. Someday, I hope that she really WILL do some SCUBA diving and snorkeling with me and the fish!
One day I MUST swim near a shark. Gah!
Meanwhile, Libby did enjoy touching one, while Matthew preferred to wait it out until he's a little older to do that.
He liked the weedy seadragons, though! No touching allowed there, however.
As I mentioned, a highlight was definitely the shows. The sea lion show was precious, and Libby's favorite performer was the 12 year-old guy who did "hand stands." Of course! They were all super cute, and mostly very cooperative with their trainers.
At the dolphin show, they were much more focused on tricks and the relationships with the trainers at this show than the Broadway theatrics. The soundtrack was top-notch, too! Libby was excited to sit in the "Soak Zone" - we were in the second row.
Matthew was NOT excited to have another photo taken.
Sadly for Libby, no soaking occurred this time. Not even a splash got us, but I could see her assessing where to sit to ensure maximum wetness during her next visit. (Remind me to bring a poncho!)
When it was time to leave, we stopped at the gift shop, of course another highlight, but while they admired many treasures, they did not ask for a single one!
They said goodbye to Mr. Penguin sculpture outside and said farewell for 2016! We also stopped for pizza on the way home.
Libby had a playdate with her friend Maddy C. in the afternoon, so I got a bit of work done and Michael took down the outdoor decorations before the colder weather was set to arrive.
The next morning, Michael was off from work again!
So after a fun breakfast, Libby and I met Sarah and Luca for some ice skating, while Michael and Matthew visited the park for a bit. Michael said Matthew was unimpressed with Michael's climbing all the way to the top of the spider web. What?!
Libby was a bit slow to get started at the skating rink, but after a couple of laps holding hands, she let go! She did not ever try to hang onto the wall for long periods of time or anything. I was incredibly impressed with her. She definitely got her flow going before I did mine. Maybe it helped that she took every lap, where Sarah and I swapped off after each one to play with Luca-man.
Now, every half-lap, she took a short rest on the team bench or spectator side, but that was just part of her "moves." This was only her second time ice skating, and while she had regular falls, she shook them off or laughed them off, hopped RIGHT up, and kept going.
Sarah managed far more photos -- and good photos -- than I did, so "thank you," Sarah!
Libby's best technique I named the "Libby scurry." She would just run across the ice! Other folks were definitely both amused and impressed with her style.
And Luca was an awesome sidekick for us and cheerleader. Libby stopped by the window at minimum, every time to wave and say, "hi" to him.
Libby has since told me that she'd like a lesson or two to work on her technique, and that she would also like ice skates. I've broken the bad news to her about the skates. We'll see about the lessons...
Check out the "Libby Scurry" for yourself!
We got the rest of the Christmas decorations and tree down that afternoon, after cheering on the Georgia bulldogs to their bowl game victory, so we got to end the year without scrambling to get them down and didn't have that hanging over our heads for New Year's Day, either. That was definitely nice.
Now, New Year's Eve meant an afternoon and evening with the Pearson's, of course. Lindsi had to work for part of the Peach Bowl, but that didn't stop us from arriving at their doorstep for an 18 hour visit with half of our house in tow.
The kids had an excellent time destroying Riley's room (literally removed every item from his shelves) before the end of of the evening, heck- before dinner! We had a tasty meal and lovely individual trifle desserts by Lindsi. Unfortunately, I took no pictures of it - or the bedroom - for the blog or for reference.
However, when it came time for fireworks, I did get two videos! Tyler did us proud with his selection this year, for sure. These videos aren't even the best, but they are ones the kids got to set off.
The kids - mine who had enjoyed zero naps, but only rest time, stayed up until 10:45 p.m.! They watched "Despicable Me 2" (again this year), ate popcorn, and came in to tease us and check on stuff while we watched more football and played a game.
Honestly, we made it until midnight, but not too far past that this year!
Saturday morning was breakfast by me, but then time to pretty much hit the road (we did clean up poor Riley's room)!
And then it was off to our neighbor's house for a New Year's drop-in. The kids had fun in the playroom for a bit, but Matthew and Michael were "over it" pretty early and headed back for some rest. Libby and I didn't make it too much longer than they did, but we did enjoy spending some time with neighbors young and old. It was a nice touch! I may have also enjoyed some "hair of the dog," while Libby snacked on a donut or two.
We of course, had the traditional dinner, and completed few of Matthew's new puzzles.
Today, Michael was off again since it was a federal holiday, but I got to go in to work. What?! Either way, it's nice that they all had a day together. Splashing in puddles on this rainy day was on the agenda, along with some playroom clean-up, and Chick-fil-A lunch and play time!
Libby also got to pull out her new art projector, and finished up the 300-piece Alice in Wonderland puzzle that Commissioner got her for Christmas!
We look forward to a memorable 2017!
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