March 13

Today was gray and cooler, so we decided to visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. We knew it would be a big hit with the kids, especially because Caleb is fascinated with all kinds of sea life. Maggie recently became a member at the Mote, so our family was able to enjoy her membership benefits. Thanks, Maggie!

Remember how we weren't planning to spend all day at the beach yesterday, but then we did? Well, thankfully the kids had sun shirts on, because we had an epic sun screen fail. I applied before we left, and reapplied to the kids once, but it wasn't enough. And it really wasn't enough for Chris and me - we were well toasted. 

Thankfully, I can rock a torso carry in my woven wrap.

My sun burned shoulders appreciated no straps to carry Eli!

Look at Caleb's face. That kid was in heaven! And Eli is so obsessed with the shark that he can't even turn around for a picture. Also, Lily looks so long-legged and grown up all of a sudden! I think it's the big shoes. She just went up a size, and now her feet look so big!

It was so nice having Maggie at the museum with us. 

Sharks!

Caleb saw the sign for Fossil Creek, and he was desperate to get there. We learned that for $10, we could get a bucket of sand and fossils, that they could then sift in the creek. Grandma sent the kids a little bit of money for something special on the trip, so we decided this was a great thing to spend that fun money on.

There was enough sand that each of the three older kids could sift through it.

They found lots of shark teeth and shells, and were so excited!

Every time. They think these things are so much fun!

We spent so much time on the main building that we were only able to spend 20 minutes in the Marine Mammal building before Eli totally lost it. It's a shame, because it was really cool - giant tortoises, manatees, otters, and more! I was so busy trying to keep Eli from freaking out that I didn't get any pictures. The kid was hungry and tired - the picture of hangry.

Luckily, Maggie found a restaurant for us right down the street, and it was perfect. 

This was before our food came. Eli was losing it.

Also, note the sign on the table. It was supposed to say, "Please please!! Do not feed the birds" but someone had removed "do not", and Caleb thought this was really funny.

Group photo!

Somehow this is the only picture I have of all of us from this trip. I'm thankful for the kind people who snapped it for us!

At bedtime, the kids all piled into Maggie's bed so she could read to them. 

These are sweet, sweet memories.

Meanwhile, Caleb was getting Daddy snuggles on the couch. 

He needed that.

And they needed this. They sure do love Maggie!