A few weeks ago we took a trip to Atlanta for a WPPI seminar. I listened to a few wonderful photographers, and got my hands on some awesome products that my lab and wedding album company carry now (totally exciting.) It was an all day event that Monday, so we went down the morning before to take Reagan to the Georgia Aquarium. We had only been once a few years ago with Troy and Kristina, and always wanted to go back. This is the most beautiful display of sea life and is the LARGEST in the WORLD. Everyone should add this to their list of places the most go, even if you have to fly cross country.
Had to share my thoughts...
When we walked around the building towards the front door of the Aquarium, I felt my heart start beating faster. The music being played on the walkway was like one big drum-roll gearing us up. I thought of my friend Marti taking her daughter to Disney world for the first time. There is nothing like presenting such an incredible little person with such an amazing experience. Watching her, I felt my emotions well up and my eyes start to water and I was honestly surprised that moment hit me as hard as it did. I started walking slower, hanging back to photograph that moment for Reagan. I know she probably won't remember this trip, but the excitement was not only on her face, but radiating from her whole body- it made me feel like the best Mommy ever.
Wow.
I don't want to bore anyone or sound like a commercial, but these numbers were just amazing to me...
This tank was the most impressive and famous... LARGEST aquarium habitat in THE WORLD.
6.3 MILLION GALLONS!
The tank was designed for four Whale Sharks (the largest fish species in the WORLD)
and four Manta Rays - (9 feet across, 200+ lbs)
This is the ONLY aquarium to house either of them... So amazing.
The acrylic window we are standing in front of here is 23 feet tall, 61 feet wide and 2 FEET THICK! You just cannot image... so overwhelming.
Baaack to Reagan. : )
Reagan said "Wow-WEEE!" probably 213 times while we were there. She loved the Nemo tank, and for the first time she said "nemanee!" At that point, I knew exactly what the new words were because there were so few, maybe one every few days. I seems so weird blogging about it now, October 21, because she is talking so much more and every conversation she comes out with new stuff.
I've GOT to get caught up.
This was the coolest tank. It wrapped up and over your head, and there were divers feeding TONS of fish right up against the glass. I wish I could have stayed more than a few minutes to actually learn about all the fish, but with a nearly 2 year old, yeah right. She hit her max on each tank in about 5 minutes.
Been there, done that.
She recognized this alright! Mr. Ray! All the characters from Nemo were here, imagine that.
It was SO cool.
The Aquarium played a little 3D movie and sold toys of all their characters... Deepo- NOT Nemo. We didn't watch the movie, but the sign sure wasn't impressive. How much worse of a knock off could you get? There was a generic version of everyone from Nemo, and the shark was the lamest of all- he looked like he had a hang-over with horrible bags under his eyes. You've got to be kidding. They fooled Reagan though, she kept saying "Meemo!" and wanted to touch every big orange fish she saw.
Before we went, I envisioned walking Reagan through this tunnel. Holding her hand, she's watching in amazement, "Wow-WEEE!" pointing to all the fish. I just knew it would have a huge impact on her because it is SO beautiful and you are essentially walking on the bottom of the ocean. So cool. I even thought to hit this area first so there would be less people, better pictures, blah blah blaaah.
Oh ab... so... lutely not.
Junior practically had to run her though it so her crying wouldn't disturb everyone in the tunnel. For some reason, she decided to be cranky right then and we completely missed the boat. We had to go for food after that, and of course she was happy the rest of the time. We never went back to it though, because we had too much ground still to cover and a long day ahead of us. Maybe next time.
THIS was her FAVORITE thing there.
Hands down.
There was a cool little bubble window in the Parana tank, of all things, and Reagan could have sat in that window for hours. After about 15 minutes, other kids started coming in and I felt we needed to get out and give them a turn. I felt bad, she was heart-broken and did NOT want to leave!
There's Deepo again...
"Nemanee!"
We broke for lunch and went to an AWESOME pizza joint a couple blocks over, Max's Pizzeria.
Best pizza I think I've ever had. The waiter brought Reagan a pan with pizza dough to play with, and she loved it.
We then spent the afternoon at the Childrens' Museum, since Dad told us how much they enjoyed taking Lucy. THAT was worth the trip!
That's the next post though!
Whew! Sorry this was a long one!
Hope you enjoyed : )
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