Portland Aquarium Experience

We hadn't gotten to see our friends, the Stevens', since Esther was born and we came home.  We have tried several different times but we got sick, then their family got sick, and other previous activities had been planned within both our families.  Finally, last Saturday, February 9th we were able to see each other!

We haven't been to Portland Aquarium and neither had the Stevens.  We thought it could be fun to meet there so we could all check it out for the first time together.  We meet them around 2pm to explore this new attraction close to home. It turned out to be an adventure we will not forget!  I think we would all give poor ratings to the Portland Aquarium.

For starters the aquarium was super crowded! We aren't sure why...it must have been a bunch of innocent people like us checking it out for the first time.

Next, the lighting was really funky.  It was super dark inside.  I guess it was supposed to feel like you were under the ocean waters, but we weren't impressed.  It made taking pictures really difficult too.

Isaiah was super clingy!

Isaiah warmed up a bit and explored a little.  He liked looking at jelly fish.

The octopus was probably the coolest thing we saw at the Portland Aquarium.

After the packed and funky lighting room we walked into an empty room.  No people or animals just a sign saying... puffins coming spring 2013.  We tried to get Isaiah to relax even more and take some photos, but he would not have it- crying fits are so great when you're out!

We did notice that Elijah and Isaiah were glad it was less crowded in this room.  They were even entertained by the empty tank (where puffins will be some day).

Then, we ventured into the shark room...There was a guy on a ladder working on a ceiling project right in the main walkway.  There was also all of these open paint and solvent supplies in the walkway!  Not impressed!  Safety?

Another safety issue was that there were step stools that kids (with or without parent supervision) and no staff supervision could climb on to look into the shark tank.  Safe?

We did enjoy some nice colorful fish...

 A large hermit crab...

Some seahorses...

More colorful fish...

However, we didn't learn anything about these animals because half or more of the video feed information stations weren't installed yet!  Yes, Isaiah is sticking his finger in the hole were the electrical wires will go for the video feed.

There was also a second room with nothing but a sign saying...river otter coming spring 2013.

And then there was a bizarre room that contained a chameleon, birds, and a rain forest jungle play structure.  The boys attempted the play structure, but it was too crowded and made Isaiah especially frustrated since all the big kids wouldn't let him attempt to climb up!

We finally decided it needed to be snack time.  We found a little sitting area and enjoyed a snack.  The adults were able to visit, and the boys had fun playing together with some of the toys around this room.

Mommy's and their babies!

Elijah in the shark costume...Jan and I were concerned about lice/germs.

There was a canoe they enjoyed riding in together.

Jan finally got to hold Esther for the first time.  I let Travis take their picture.  The pictures aren't great...now there is too much light?

Mark finally got to hold Esther too.

 

Our conclusion from the Portland Aquarium experience is I don't think we will be going back too soon.  We already made plans to see the Stevens again soon...at their house so the boys can feel comfortable and play and we can visit!

Afterwards our family enjoyed dinner at Red Robin.