11 Months & Winter Hat

She's looking so grown up lately.

Out of the Gate

Maryn is really moving now. If I leave the gate to the playroom open while running to the kitchen or bathroom I'm bound to turn around and see this ...

We spent the majority of last weekend in the yard. Maryn was chilling on a blanket in the front while we raked leaves and trimmed bushes. She enjoyed all the leaves - Mike and I really didn't.

The last two were taken this morning.

Atlanta Aquarium II

The wave tank was fantastic! A wave would crash against the rocks over our heads every couple of minutes or so which would send sediment swirling, eventually filtering down to the tank floor.

The last pictures are from the huge tunnel. We spent about 45 minutes making our way through this thing! Several Whale Sharks and divers swam above and around us making their way through the other marine life.

Halloween at the Children's Garden

We had been meaning to get back to the Morton arboretum before all the fall color was gone and decided October 31st would do just fine.

It's hard to believe .... last fall we were here for our baby shower with friends and family. I still have the buckeye the arboretum tour guide gave me for good luck tucked away in my winter coat pocket.

Yesterday, Mike, Maryn and I had the place to ourselves. Her Halloween costume was practically a snowsuit so she didn't seem to mind the cool air and brisk wind. The day turned into a bit of a fall themed photo shoot, which we all seemed to enjoy.

I got the feeling they usually see large crowds this time of year. There were various Halloween themed activities and treats for kids (pumpkin carving and painting, gnome scavenger hunts etc.). A kind of fall market outside the visitor center had free wine tasting, kettle corn, and a place to make your own carmel/chocolate covered apples. The visitor center itself was full of people. Some were there to grab a bite, enjoy a warm beverage, or browse the lovely gift shop while others were guests at a beautiful wedding reception.

It was a fun filled day. And while I'm sure the cool air (and later the full bodied October fest beer at the German restaurant) didn't do much to stop the progression of my cold (at least that's what I hope this is) it was well worth it. Now, I need to get rid of this sore throat by the end of the day so I'm off to have a cup of hot tea.

Hi Finks!

We really enjoyed spending last weekend with the Finks. Here are a couple family shots ...too cute!

The last picture is an overhead view of an aquarium "petting zoo." I've seen this type of exhibit before at other aquariums (Monterey Bay with Judi when she lived in California), but this one accommodates more people which is certainly helpful on a busy Saturday. We checked this out about 30 minutes before closing time, and while Maryn was a little young to touch the rays and sharks, she certainly enjoyed watching me do it.

I think I've got one more aquarium post coming, but it will have to wait until after Halloween.

School & Planet Shark

Owen and Maryn enjoying the school of fish swimming along the entrance to the aquarium. She was still in her stroller at this point, but you can see the big smile on her face as she watched them speed by.

The aquarium had a shark exhibit that was quite impressive. Apparently you are not allowed to take pictures in Planet Shark. Nieka and Scott informed me of this after I took the picture of the big shark (below). I thought you just couldn't use your flash so I had turned it off. Opps, no harm done I guess.

One Fish, Blue Fish

There was this large fish at the aquarium that would appear out of the blue to stare at us, particularly the kids. Hilarious! You'd be focused on something else (there really was a lot to take in at once) and all the sudden ... out of the corner of your eye- there he was! Maryn had a big smile for this guy! Owen seemed a little suspicious.