7.23.2008

The Shedd and the Beach (ie: AJ LOVES SAND!)


Today was AJ's Camp Field Trip to the Shedd Aquarium. In usual Payne/Holub fashion, we actually planned to ditch the group and packed our suits and gear for the beach. Our kids are just too young to last that many hours at most museums without falling asleep, melting down or puking (as in last week's episode at Science and Industry), so we have learned to plan accordingly. Erin figured out that there's a nice, small, clean beach just South of the Planetarium, so we decided we'd see what we liked of the Aquarium, have lunch there, and then head over to the beach before making it back to catch up with the group at the bus.

All went smoothly at the museum. We saw the Komodo Dragon exhibit in lieu of the crowded (and info-heavy) dolphin show, and since it was almost empty, we could let the kids run around a little. The dragon was right up front on a huge rock, basking in his lamp for us. I thought it was pretty cool. AJ thought the plastic bubbles that covered the fake samples of what lizards eat was better.

We headed downstairs and saw the dolphins, sea otters, beluga whales and penguins. That was pretty neat too! But AJ was still more interested in the stairway lighting, the glass connections on the tanks and climbing up and down on the carpeted riser/seat than in watching any of the animals. I think he'll grow into the Aquarium.

Next we got free tix to the Wild Reef exhibit since the Payne's are members, and it was beautiful. The coral and fish were so pretty and there was also a section with sharks and rays. AJ did show some interest in this area, but the natives were getting restless...he didn't want to sit in the stroller anymore, but I was afraid to let him out in the crowd, so it was time for lunch.

After eating, we promptly left the museum and headed to the beach...where for AJ, the real fun began! I will narrate the pictures I took, but also have you know that he also loves the water. He loved walking further in, letting the waves hit him, and getting soaked in general...then going back up the beach to recreate these shots again!


Here he is touching the sand for what he probably remembers as his first time.



And he starts to explore the bucket of sand a girl nearby has collected.


Oh! You can lay down on this warm stuff and scoop it toward you with your arms!


The end product...Sand Monster!


A regular old bowl becomes the coolest sand toy...




...and bringing toys helps you to make friends!


Since I didn't think AJ would love getting wet as much as he did, his clothes were a sandy disaster. So after rinsing off a little, I changed him into his swim trunks with no t-shirt to go home! What a great day.

1 comment:

Erin said...

Such cute pictures - AJ is a regular beach bum and quite the ladies man.