A Monday I will never forget

Monday morning Manda, Jon, Ryker and I went to the Seattle Aquarium. We thought this would be the most fun for Ryker. And it gave us the chance to bring out the kid in ourselves.  And what made it extra cool was that The Aquarium was right on the coast. Seeing the ocean on blue skied day in Seattle is sure to warm your heart.

Everything in the aquarium was the same marine life that they find right on the Seattle Coast. It was fun to see all the different kinds of fish that were in that area.

In the touch tank there were so many star fish. Along with some of the most colorful sea urchins I have ever seen. While we were there Manda pointed out to me a star fish that was moving. It was one of those kind that have more than 5 arms. I had never seen a star fish move from one place to another. We all know they do, and we have all seen it on TV in fast motion, but we got to see it in real life. I was surprised how quickly it was getting around. I guess those extra legs really do the trick.

The Jellyfish tank/tube thingy was pretty cool. Colorful lights were inside changing colors. It made to Jellyfish to appear the same color as the light. It was kinda interesting. Ryker's favorite color was of course green. I tried to get a picture of him by it while it was green...but it turned to blue.

While we were there I couldn't help but chuckle at Ryker. It was like watching a kid in a candy shop. He was running from one thing to the next. Shouting to me with utter excitement about everything that he saw. 'Mom, look at this...Mom, look at that.' As a mother you can't help but take a moment to sit back and soak in the excitement you see on your child's face.  I just loved it!

There were two Giant Pacific Octopus on exhibit. Both female. One named 'Noodles' and the other 'May.' I openly admit this was my favorite part of the aquarium....

...and this is why. At noon we got the opportunity to watch the Octopus be feed fish fillets. The four of us were just STARING the whole time in just AWE over this creature. So fascinating! She turned a really deep red color when she became interested in the food. Just pure AWESOMENESS!!!

I took a video of the first food she took off the stick, then took these pictures of the next one. It was just ABSOLUTELY one of the neatest things I have had the opportunity to watch. She slowly brought her arms up as she grabbed the fish from the stick and brought it to her beak which is under all her arms.

They were telling us that the Giant Pacific Octopus can measure as big as 30 feet from tip to tip, spread out. May here was about 15 feet wide.

Can you not help but look at these cool pictures? Or am I the only one that thinks this is not the neatest thing? Maybe it's because I was there in person. These pictures are great...but it was FAR better in person.

They tried feeding Noodles, but she wasn't interested in the fish on a stick. It made us that much happier that we got to see May cooperated.

After staring in awe for over an hour at the Octopus we set out for Lunch. We found an Old Spaghetti Factory close by. It's an all time favorite of mine and Amanda's. Both of our husbands can't figure out why we like it so much. Haha. But whatever it is... We sure do love it.

Once we had full bellies we went for a little stroll along the coast. Oh it was just BEAUTIFUL!!! I couldn't believe how I lucked out with blue skies (It was time for some good luck, so thank goodness).

Jon was Ryker's buddy on this trip. Everything Jon did...Ryker would do.  Them boys gotta stick together right?

I loved this view where the water and the city were close together. 

Such a cute little man. I look over at him and he was just posing. I don't think I have taken enough pictures of him (wink wink).

The park along the coast was very pleasant and beautiful. So many different fall colors. Love it!

Along with the leaves falling came the twigs. Which of course Ryker started to collect...

...he carried them just about the whole rest of the way. Every person we passed made some sort of comment about his twigs. Some said he could start a fire, others mentioned he had quite the load. But Ryker made sure to let me know that they weren't sticks... they were his SWORDS!  It's either that... or a gun... such a boy!

And if we hadn't done enough...we went back to the Aquarium for another hour or so. We wanted to get our money's worth and see the rest of the Aquarium that we had missed. 

THEN...we walked over the Pikes Place Market. It was the end of the day so most of the stands were closed or closing. Mostly all that was left were the flower stands. They had the prettiest flowers. AND you could buy a bouquet for only $5. I told Manda if I lived there I would be done there every week getting flowers for my house. Since I didn't think a bouquet of flowers wouldn't live through the travel home, I bought some for Manda to have in her apartment.

We left downtown right as the sun was starting to set. Just a beautiful way to end a perfect day. It made it for the crazy long day the night before. If only it could have lasted longer.