February family date

Today we decided to have a family date in Mystic. We are so lucky to live near the aquarium there. It's incredibly hands-on, with lots of tanks and displays at short levels. Perfect. We have the book 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, and there are a few places mentioned that are close to our rural corner of New England, including this aquarium. 

My absolute favorite part is the Beluga Whale tank. The Belugas swim around the tank in full view of aquarium guests. There are rock outcroppings for little ones to explore and peek in the tank as well as a huge glass wall - a perfect spot for racing the friendly whales. These whales are social! They frequently play with guests, following them and interacting. 

And the touch tanks! In the couple years we've lived here, they've added more tanks. Now there is a ray tank, shark tank and the standard sea star/crab touch tanks. Finnian is fascinated and can't get enough. Today the sharks were especially friendly. Finnian also held two species of crab on his own.

It's really fun to watch the boys at the aquarium. Finnian's been going regularly since he was two and Isaac since birth. They know the layout and exactly which animals they need to see first. They know the sea lions' names and just how much the rescued turtles have grown since the last visit. Their familiarity has grown into confidence and comfort handling animals. I like to think they've also gained a respect for the beauty and tenderness of life. 

It's a magical place and I hope they remember it when they're grown.

We continued our date with a fabulous lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants. Mo and I choose to pass on Friendly's and take our chances at a mediterranean restaurant we love, crossing our fingers that Isaac could stay distracted long enough to let us enjoy a yummy lunch. The stars were aligned because we had the best waitress in the world. She brought crayons and kids' cups with orange slices surrounding the straw (genius!). She gave the boys extra fruit cups with their mac-n-cheese and hid the after-meal mints out of their sight. Sometimes you meet strangers who do so much to make life a little easier. She was my hero today! 

Following lunch, we made one more stop at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream. In the summer, this place is bumpin with tourists and locals alike clamoring for a little taste of their homemade creamy concoctions. As many businesses, especially the dozens of ice creams shops, are seasonal around here, we figured it would be closed. But it wasn't. So we had to stop. I always get the sticky fractured finger, which is caramel deliciousness with a disgusting name. As usual, It didn't disappoint!

As I enjoyed my cone, I day dreamed about the summer awesomeness that is here. But for today, we had every place to ourselves. It was a great February family date.