Friday fun

Sure, AJ, that's a really cool snake. As long as it stays on that side of the glass.

I've gotten quite behind in sharing stories of our weekend adventures. A 1,500-word freelance assignment will do that to you. But with article submitted, and sleep deprivation minimized, I am ready to get back on track.

One of the reasons for the sleep deprivation was my procrastination. Who wants to sit at a computer and write, when you can take the kids to the Aquarium instead? And so last Friday, that's what we did.

So did a couple hundred other kids. Silly me again forgot that the last Friday of the school year is not the best time to visit. Sydney, of course, thought it was pretty exciting to see three school buses in the parking lot.

The kids had the most fun with the newer exhibits. Here's AJ plotting a course for a fishing trip. Sydney, meanwhile, just liked playing dress up with the life jackets. She's a bit obsessed with the plastic buckles. She's good at hooking them together. Not so good at getting them apart.


The new Masters of Disguise exhibit was also pretty neat. It veers from the Aquarium's original committment to "all freshwater", but I don't think that's all bad. Finally, some colorful fish.

Do you see the "Nemo" fish that Sydney's pointing to? If not, here's a close-up:

It is my hope that my kids will be part of a new generation in this community that recognizes the Aquarium as an educational resource and a fun destination, as opposed to those who continue to re-voice the tired complaints about "the fish tank."

Coincidentally, one of the people I interviewed for the article I just completed commented that he's sensing a more positive attitude in Duluth. The generation of nay-sayers are slowly going away, being replaced by young professionals who recognize this area as a great place to raise a family. Here's to the future!