An Outing!

Today, the whole family went to Moody Gardens in Galveston. Our main goal was to get some good pictures of the kids for our Christmas cards, but we visited the aquarium while we were there.

We all slept late, since Dad got home so late last night. Then, we had a big breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy). By the time we were all ready, it was almost lunch time so we planned to go to Cracker Barrel on the way down. But first, we had to stop and buy Kyla some shoes since she had grown out of nearly every pair she owns and had nothing nice to wear in pictures.

Ryann testing out the Cracker Barrel Rockers.

Brendan and Kyla squaring off.

We ate well and headed down to Galveston Island. It was early afternoon, so traffic wasn't too bad. When we got to Moody Gardens, there was a school bus and the kids were like "aww there's a field trip", I assured them that they wouldn't be there much longer. They were Jr. High or so and crowded around the Seal tank where the seals were being fed.

Ryann was amazed! She loved looking at all the fish and aquatic animals. She was a bit worried when the bigger animals/fish got close. The seals kept coming up to the glass and holding their heads up looking at us. She was a little overwhelmed by the tunnel where the sharks and other fish swam over us. We saw the divers cleaning and she liked waving at them.

Getting a closer look!

In the tunnel.

We also saw a gianormous sea turtle! And this cool striped snapper that the staff named Clifford the Big Red Fish (sorry hard to take pictures of those in the tanks).

Ryann was really cute carrying her dolly around (then casting her aside when she saw something interesting).
After all that fish watching, we went outside and undertook the awesome task of getting the 3 kids to pose for a picture. Unfortunately, it was naptime and Ryann was not going to sit still for anything. We did manage to get a few but decided to head to the Strand for some treats and another try in another locale.

She moves quickly!

Here's a great one of Kyla!And Daddy with Ryann.

Ryann fell asleep on the way to the Strand (historic shopping area on Galveston Island) and we were able to eat our caramel apples from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory before she woke up. Then, we tried again at the picture taking thing.

"Nope, not without my pacifier!"

Mom's had enough!
Overall, it was a great day. We picked up some pizza on the way home and everyone is resting now.