The Florida Aquarium

I mentioned yesterday that the day after my birthday, my dad, Heather, Ellie and I hit up the Florida Aquarium (my dad's treat - thanks, Dad!). I had been wanting to take Ellie to the Aquarium all summer so this was the perfect opportunity, and we had a great family day!

Ellie is a known lover of fish and birds so I knew it would be a hit, and I was not wrong. Actually, though, the first critters we came across were the otters. Oh man, did she love her some otters. But duh, otters are quite lovable.

Cute little guy!

In awe

Next we checked out some Roseate Spoonbills, which Ellie was also quite enamored with.

Look at this bird!

Getting a closer look with Papa

That was when Ellie decided her stroller was for the birds (get it?) and she would walk. Not only that, but clearly Auntie Heather required help in the stroller-pushing department.

Here, Auntie. Let me show you how it's done.

So, Ellie started dashing from one exhibit to the next, with her little pointer finger going to town.

So much to see, so little time!

We saw all kinds of fancy aquatic life.

Penguins!

Lobsters!

Fishies!

Seahorses!

Jellyfish!

Sharks and more fishies!

If you ask me, I think what Ellie most enjoyed was checking out all the cool sea life with her Auntie and Papa.

Ellie and Papa watching the fish

Checking out the sharks with Auntie Heather

Although, other favorite parts of the day may have included the flashing lights in one exhibit, which inspired her to create her own little disco dance party right then and there, and the fog "curtains" in the shark exhibit, which left her clutching whoever was carrying her at the moment every time we passed through.

Dance party!

Cuddling up with Aunt Heather as they walk through the fog

Basically, Ellie was just really precious all afternoon.

Look at that sweet profile.

Another thing we wanted to do at the Aquarium was check out the splash park there, but the weather was a bit uncooperative. Our first attempt got entirely rained out (it started pouring buckets as soon as we got outside), so we killed a little more time inside before trying again. The second attempt was slightly more successful, with just enough time to get Ellie into her suit and let her run around for about five minutes before the lightning and thunder started to roll in. So, not the best, but Ellie sure did love those five minutes.

SPLASH PARKS ARE THE GREATEST THING EVER.

We really had a great time at the Aquarium and I'm so glad we found the chance to take Ellie before we left St. Pete. Thanks again for a great day, Dad and Heather!