Family Outing to the Vancouver Aquarium

This afternoon, we met our friends, Steve and Diana and their nephew and niece, Josh and Madelaine at the Aquarium. It was the first time for Chris and the kids (I've been before, but it was years ago, like probably over 20!) We almost blew the surprise yesterday, but did ok. Justin didn't know where we were going until about 5 minutes before we arrived :0)

So here are the best shots out of the 80ish we took!


This little seal popped his head out of the water and looked around at everyone, so cute!


A VERY ORANGE Bird!


Justin and Ashleigh LOVED getting up close to these aquariums. The first one that Justin saw (not this one), was HUGE (taller than mommy and daddy) and he didn't want to touch it at first!


This was an open display of sea creatures...star fish, etc. I'm not sure what Justin picked up, but he was asked to put it down ;0)


We tried to watch the whole Beluga Show, but the kids got bored (Ashleigh was more interested in eating snacks and playing with the pop machine near by!) Ah well, we got to see some of it and get some pictures.



Now this was an AWESOME experience for Justin, holding a butterfly! They were being transferred from inside (a cage where they hatched from their cacoon) to outside (covered area with lots of plants, birds, butterflies and even a SLOTH).


Still holding on to it! (it wasn't that far to walk to the outside) He looks so proud! Other people walking through the exibit were quite amazed by this as well!


Time for ice cream...
"cheeeese" Look at the ice cream cone! It's huge! (and to think he wanted another one, not long after)


"cheeeeeese" Ashleigh enjoying her ice cream.


These otters were holding paws!


Justin and Ashleigh looking in to the dolphin tank.


Justin and Ashleigh outside the dolphin tank.


Us outside the dolphin tank. We got someone to take a picture of ALL of us and will have to post it when Steve and Diana email it to us because it was taken with their camera.
We had such a great time. It really was a good time to take the kids. Ashleigh got a bit tired of being in her stroller at times, but we did let her run around a bit too. She would get right up to the tanks and say "wowwwwww". On the way home, Justin was reciting all the animals he saw.


And here is all of us.