Seattle Aquarium ~ Part 1 ~Psalm 8

So our original plan was to go to Seattle's Pikes Place Market and then hit the Point Defiance Zoo on the way home. It was already after 1 o'clock so we decided to go to the Seattle Aquarium which was just a few blocks walk down to the waterfront. It was a good choice. We had a blast. I'm not gonna lie...the little guy started to have a melt down towards the end, but it had been a very long day. We couldn't blame him - I felt like crying too. haha.

The first stop and one of the most popular was the touch pools. It was filled with all kinds of sea anemone, sunflower stars, small skate, crab, fish and sea stars. They could touch everything except the fish. They were a bit timid, at first, but they warmed up to it right away!

My mom and I are trying to convince Marco that nothing would bite us or sting us. =)

We moved on to some of the other exhibits and this one really amazed the kids. They thought all of these flat flounder type fish were dead or sleeping. haha

You can't tell in this picture, but this guy was pretty big.

Puffin are always fun to watch.

Hello Mr. Eel. In the words of little Marco, "He looks creepy." haha

Taking a break...

There were two buildings full of exhibits and tanks so we had to go outside to enter the other one. This was our view of one of the piers and one of the cruise ships getting ready to head out.

The otters were so much fun to watch. My mom was amazed at how easily they moved through the water as they played.

This isn't a great shot, but it was a really cool arch that was clear and FILLED with jellyfish. They are the most relaxing things to watch - very, very cool.

Okay...well, I don't know if I'm losing you yet or not, hehe, so I'm going to share the rest in a "part 2".

One thing I want to add is my mom's reaction to all of the fish and creatures we saw. She was amazed by all of the colors, sizes and unique shapes. We both decided (agreed) that God is an amazing artist. His creativity is genius and beyond our wildest imaginations. And to think that He loves us best out of all of His creations. =)

Psalm 8:3 "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;"

Psalm 8:8 "The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas."

Psalm 8:9 "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"

Seattle Aquarium ~ Part 2~Loved and Cherished

Marco really didn't want to have anything to do with these photo op boards. He was too busy running from one tank to the other to slow down and pose, but not Naomi. This girl LOVES to stop for a photo. haha

However, he didn't mind this one. He thought the tentacles were the best.

We stopped at a couple tables where they were teaching the kids about conservation or sea life and they got to do a little activity to take home. Here they are making some special sea anenomes.

Naomi loves doing crafts just as much as getting her picture taken. =)

Who doesn't love a seahorse?

These were anemone were really cool.

Look! There's Nemo!

There are some really neat puffer fish in this tank...the one Naomi is posing in front of...again. haha!

The green anemone were some of my favorites.

Such beauty!

The sea mammal exhibit was really fun to watch. We were all amazed at how fast these seals could move through the water. This guy came up for some sunshine.

At the end of the day, we were all tired, but happy. I am so thankful that we could take time to enjoy each others company while experiencing something educational and spiritual all at the same time. Our family walked away knowing that we were not created by accident. We are not here by chance. We learned that there was a purpose for every single animal that we saw today. The way they were camouflaged or designed was all a part of His handiwork. I was thankful for a chance to really appreciate something we take for granted and that is that we are all unique. Different in our own ways, but loved and cherished.