Tickled Pink and Orange: Georgia Aquarium

For one last hurrah this summer, my friend Jaime and I took our daughters to Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium and American Girl Place. It was one long, fun-filled, girly day and Addie Kate and I loved it!

We left early that morning, armed with snacks, drinks, toys, and the ever-important DVD player. Jaime thankfully drove, so I could wrestle Addie Kate as needed! Luckily, Kaylin, her wonderful daughter, sat in the back seat with her, so she worked the hardest!

We got to the aquarium right around 10, when it was opening. There was already a ton of people there, but the people in ATL have set it up really well, with all of the walking and waiting areas being covered and cool. We didn't have to wait for long though, thankfully! Toddlers don't wait well. (Neither do adults!)

First on the agenda were bathrooms and lunch. They have a fabulous food selection. I guess they need to because it takes a full day to visit the aquarium. Addie Kate and I shared a yummy pizza, fresh fruit, and cupcakes!

We added on the 3D/IMAX movie to our ticket, which I was worried about with Addie Kate. I just made sure we sat near an exit though! As soon as we finished lunch, we were able to see one fish exhibit, and it was time for the movie. Another line of waiting, this one a bit harder to keep Addie Kate contained because we had to put the stroller in a "holding tank," but she did great once we got in. She loved the glasses and looked hilarious in them! Luckily though, once the movie got started, she didn't wear them (which made for a blurry view for her, but I guess she didn't know the difference) because the 3D effects were amazing in this movie. Fish, people, objects really jumped out at you! They also had steam, bubbles, ropes moving across the ceiling, and vibrating chairs for the full effect. These things did freak Addie Kate out, but she did just fine. Thank heavens it was a dark theater, because she had my dress almost completely off of me! And, she did NOT want to give up the glasses when we had to return them. Finally after much debate and the whole aquarium watching us, I just walked out with them, figuring I could return them later. Nope, they are here at home with us. (It's ok though, I'm sure they get their money back in the outrageous admission fee!)

Luckily, Addie Kate has watched Finding Nemo at her Gam and Pop Pop's, because the movie was a play on it. She just kept saying, "Nemo, Nemo!" It was as precious as it could be and I really enjoyed it.

After the movie we were able to get in some serious fish-viewing! Addie Kate absolutely loved them all. She had no fear of the large crowds; therefore, I didn't get to enjoy the fish near as much as I'd have liked to! Good for her though, she was small enough that she could wind her way up to a window and see anything she wanted to see! I finally could not take the anxiety of her running all over the place anymore and bribed her back into the stroller with a lollipop. Yes, she's my girl and is quickly developing my sweet tooth!

Once in the stroller we were able to see all sorts of amazing things. The GA Aquarium is home to three Beluga whales that were the most gentle giants I think I have ever seen. We also saw the huge Manta Ray, which is the only one in an aquarium in the US. We walked through the "tunnel" of fish. Good thing she was in the stroller there, because everyone was only looking up!

Addie Kate's favorite things were the jellyfish (they did look really neat) and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle - also one of Mommy's favorite animals. I think sea turtles are absolutely amazing creatures. She just watched him and watched him, and he stayed really close to her and kept her entertained!

We were also able to visit the touch tank! They had several things you could touch, but the only ones that appealed to us were the stingrays, and I even had to talk myself into that! (I've done it once before, but still just am not a fan of fish/sea creatures outside of a tank!) Regardless, I put on my "I'm going to be a good mommy"-face and went for it. Addie Kate was hard to get close enough to the water, but I think she finally did touch one. I had to hold her almost upside down, over rocks, and into water!

Mostly what Addie Kate said all day was, "big one" or "look" or "fish" or "turtle!" She was so, so sweet and funny to watch! I am so very glad she enjoyed it. I was worried that she wouldn't be quite ready for it yet, but she loved it! And I have been to lots of aquariums, but this one, was by far, the most amazing! And, they are already expanding!

Just like any good marketing department would have done, we exited through the gift shop. Of course, I was prepared to buy Addie Kate anything and everything she wanted. Kaylin took her and showed her every stuffed animal and toy there. But no, what does my girl want? A book! Of course, she was going to get one of those anyway! (Our souvenirs are always books, and sometimes other things too, but always a book!) I left the gift shop for under $20. I think our lunch cost more than that!

It was a great first half of our day-trip to Atlanta. I loved every smile, expression, and excitement that my girl showed. I can't wait to show her more that this great world has to offer!

Waiting to (pay first, of course!) go in: