A World of Adventure

Dad returned from his business trip yesterday to a family thrilled to see him back.  And Bubeaner was so excited he decided it was a good time to start walking on his own.  He walked to and from Dad while Dad unpacked and settled back home. Bubeaner still prefers to crawl and knee-walk, but he's continued to walk on his own since then without being coerced or encouraged.  This might, MIGHT, be the turning point. YAY!

Bubeaner walking around the bedroom on Friday morning.

Friday afternoon we left Dad resting at home while Meme'Licia, aunt Lari, Momma and Bubeaner headed off to the Dallas World Aquarium.  Aunt Lari had fond memories from her first trip there 7+ years ago.  We decided to take a little field trip to visit it since aunt Lari had been forced to work (i.e. humor her sister's desire to have the master bedroom and living room painted) during the majority of her spring break.  Of course, we did not take into account that EVERY ONE else in the metroplex might also be on spring break AND might choose to visit the DWA that day too. 

Chillin' while waiting in line to enter.

We waited quite a while to get inside.  Once inside, we discovered it was ridiculously crowded.  There were people bumping into us at every turn.  It took forever to go through the rain forest exhibit.  Bubeaner insisted on walking (holding hands considering the crowd) but soon his good humor deteriorated into an outright fit with stomping feet and loud screeching.  It was to our benefit that all the noise from everyone else drowned out his tantrum.  And, though we do not condone tantrums, it was a little understanding.  He wanted to walk and move and instead was forced to stand still waiting for adults (that should no better) to move through the exhibit.

Bubeaner and Momma trying not to freak out about the large crowds.

We also discovered that, although it is named the Dallas World AQUARIUM, about two thirds of the exhibits we NOT marine life.  We liked the monkeys and birds but for that (with much better view and less crowded) we can go to the zoo.  It was quite a disappointment.  Although, Bubeaner did enjoy the little parts that included fish and turtles... when we finally got to them.

Bubeaner enthralled by the fish.

He could have spent all day watching them.

The turtle in this exhibit would swim back and forth 

playing with Bubeaner

Exhausted and disillusioned we finally decided to head home.  We might consider another visit when it's less crowded.  But we might also just wait until Bubeaner is a lot older.  For now, we will stick with the zoo.

Aunt Lari and one of the three lonely little penguins

in the "large" penguin exhibit.

Upon our return we were greeted with uncle Ivan and Sarah!  They had decided to drive up to celebrate uncle Ivan's birthday with all of us!!!  Bubeaner was overjoyed to see them.  He ate his dinner at home and was supposed to be asleep in his car seat while we went out to dinner.  Bubeaner would not have any of it.  After all, we were at our favorite Thai/Japanese restaurant.  He knows the food.  He loves the food.  And he even insisted on eating dinner again!

Bubeaner started with his favorite: Nanas!

And how could he not try at least a couple of eel and avocado rolls?