Mini Vaca

We are a military family that doesn't live near the extended branches of either side. So, when it comes time for vacation its usually back home to New York to visit with all three sets of parents and however many grandparents, siblings, aunt, uncles and cousins we can fit into a week or two. We usually cram a few high school and college friends into the high impact workout too. We like to keep it interesting!

This weekend, though, we took a little three day getaway. It's the second time we've done so. We went to Sea World almost two years ago. We enjoyed the trip, but haven't had a chance to repeat it since. Now that we hear we're likely going back to Washington State in a year we want to fit in as much as we can see before we leave the area.

Our mini vacation took us to Atlanta this time. Its a 5-hour drive, easily broken up with lunch on the way. Of course the kids love eating out and consider that part of the trip. I love that they're so easy at this age! We stayed at a hotel near Centennial Park, which was wonderful to walk through and play in. But the focus of our trip was the Georgia Aquarium. And it was great!

Jace got a book about sharks last year and reads it often. He tells me little facts every so often, but I learned a lot as soon as her saw the whale shark...his favorite! He might work at this or some other aquarium some day...or in the ocean! He "can't wait to get his hands on a whale shark!" I don't doubt that he might.

Gracie loved the beluga whales...and they were pretty cool. They danced to the music playing and came right up to the glass the kids were standing at. It was really neat to see them up close and personal! Tyler loved being able to run around and point at whatever was behind the glass and grunt! That's his thing...pointing and grunting.

We did find a fish, though, that reminded us of Tyler. I'm not sure what it's actually called, but our family fondly calls it the Tyler Fish. Tyler has been known to bump his head...at least weekly. He falls off tables, couches, and chairs. He stands up and hits his head on dressers. He slips while running or just falls over. He's a wreck. But he's a cute wreck! He's had a bruised bump on his forehead for what seems like months now, which is why this fish is named after him.

At the end of the day, we really enjoyed the aquarium, the park, the hotel, and dinner at Ted's Montana Grill! The trip was a success and a well-deserved break from day to day life. Hopefully we'll be off on another adventure sooner rather than later!