My kids didn’t have school on Friday, and Friday happens to be my day off. (Have I mentioned how much I love this job share thing?)  I decided an aquarium trip was a good way to spend the day.  My In-Real-Life-Friends know that driving myself to Downtown Seattle is a big deal for me.  I don’t go to the big city too often.  I’ll be honest.  Seattle scares me.  This is where the office manager at my school would say, “Ok, put on your big girl panties, get in the car, and drive yourself downtown.  You’ll be fine.”

Once I found my big girl panties, we were off to the big city.  My kids have been to the aquarium many times.  My hubby and I took the kids several times when they were young, and I would take the kids down with friends on rainy days too.  It’s been about two years since we’ve been there.  Once my kids started school, we just didn’t have enough time for the frequent trips downtown.  So, this was a special trip and the kids really loved it.  We started with chowder, at The Crab Pot, right on the water.  Then we got to see the fish.

The aquarium has a new baby otter and it is ADORABLE!  We spent a long time just watching the interactions between Momma and her baby.  The cutest thing was when Momma decided that it was swimming time.  The baby kept trying to crawl away and Mom kept grabbing her and pulling her toward the water.

Eventually Mom won, and the baby swam around with her mommy.

I wanted to take my kids out for a special day, because report cards just came out and their teachers had wonderful things to say about them.  My motive for taking them to the aquarium was to tell them how proud we are of their hard work.  My hidden agenda was to provide a memorable learning experience for my kiddos.

When the day was over, the kids said the best part of the day was eating chowder on the waterfront and seeing the baby otter.  I’d agree. 

Making memories, encouraging learning, and praising my kids for their hard work… that’s what it’s all about.