After kindergarten open house we swung by the house to pick up Mema and Lex and then headed out for an exciting day at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington. We went there once last year but Eve was sick and it wasn’t a stellar success. This trip went MUCH better! It was a beautiful day, the kids were all happy and eager, and we had a great time!
It’s a beautiful day on Lake Champlain.
Checking out the fish while waiting for me to check in at the museum.
First things first, lunch on the terrace.
Lunch with a view. What more could we ask for?!
First stop in the museum was a sunken ship exhibit. The kids loved it. We actually started and ended our visit in this shipwreck!
Then off to visit the turtles. Did you know there exists a soft-shelled turtle?
Eve loved the touch tank. I didn’t get a good picture of her touching the sea star, but this is a cool picture of a sea star feeding. The museum woman said you can tell it’s feeding because it is bunched up in the middle.
Out on the deck for a quick pic. :) I love that he smiles for the camera these days!
Getting a better view of New York state with a good pair of museum binoculars.
Getting silly. Time for a break.
We went back outside for a snack break, then a trip through the ankle misting machine. :)
When we left the museum we walked up to Church Street, which is a cool walking street with lots of activity. The first thing we found there is a painted bear exhibit. I didn’t catch the details of why, but there were painted bears everywhere. A fundraiser for something, I’m sure. The kids decided we need to take pictures of them on every single bear. Mema and I took turns taking the pictures. I’ll spare you every single one and just post a few. :)
The game was to try and take the picture before Eve stuck her tongue out. I didn’t win with this picture. :)
We stopped a the Lake Champaign Chocolate store. I vetoed the “block of chocolate” option and we agreed on a bag of mixed chocolates instead.
I love these unprompted, heart-melting, hand-holding moments. It does a momma proud.
At the end of the street we found a fountain. The kids couldn’t resist. I couldn’t say no.
Lo and behold, we found a Panera Bread on Church Street! One with outdoor seating. One where the staff delivers your meal! Life is good. (on that note, I didn’t make it to the Life is Good store just down the street…. maybe next trip.)
One more bear for good measure.
Then back in the car, more Wizard of Oz on audiobook for the drive home, and tired happy children. Life is good.