MI/KY Vacation Day 7: Newport Aquarium

Thursday was our 7th day of vacation, and our last morning waking in a hotel (although we didn't realize that until later).  To keep from making the mistake that we'd made on the other nights, we decided to find and book our hotel for that evening that morning.  Thinking that we would be busy most of the day, we booked a hotel in Dayton, OH for the evening.  Then, after packing up our room and getting breakfast, we set out for our first destination of the day: Newport on the Levee.  Here our main objective was to tour the Newport Aquarium, and then we figured we would spend some time walking around the outdoor area for a bit.

When we arrived at the Levee, we found a parking garage and parked the van.  You'd think that since Eric took a photo of our parking space it would have been simple to find.  Unfortunately, we got confused and ended up spending time going up and down the levels of the garage looking for our car when it was time to go.

Next, we headed to the Aquarium.  Like the Creation Museum, I thought it was very nice and we enjoyed walking around and looking at everything, but I was also disappointed in the price.  We thought it would take us most of the day to get through the aquarium, but it only took us about an hour and a half, which was a bit quick I thought for $60 for the family.  Oh well, we were on vacation, and it was something fun and family-friendly to do.

Asher checking out the baby sharks.  Every time I see this picture, I can't help but think, "baby shark do do, do do do do..."

Asher & I attempting the starfish petting tank.  He just wanted to splash in the water and got us in trouble.

Eric & Asher with the wave tank.

When Asher found this turtle, he fell immediately in love.  Convincing him to leave it was difficult to say the least.

Asher & I enjoying the shark tank.

We tried to make it past the turtle again, without Asher spotting it...we were unsuccessful.

Our little turtle...looks just like Uncle Robby!  ;)

These giant crayfish were disgusting.  They reminded me of the horrible spider cave scene from Harry Potter.

Eric & Asher checking out the wormy fish.

Big Mike

Asher getting a good look through the glass floor.

Giant Frogs...Cool, but not as cool as the turtle apparently!

Turtle Canyon!  After listing to Asher talk about the turtle all morning, we thought he'd be thrilled to see some real turtles.  Turns out, giant fiberglass ones are much higher on his list.

Jellies!

Scuba Divers feeding the fish.

Eric attempting the shark petting tank with Asher...again, he just wanted to play in the water.

Penguins...waddle, waddle, waddle!

These penguins were not as much fun as the turtle, but Asher loved them anyway and made sure they knew it!

Video: Asher Loving on the Penguins

When we made it through the aquarium, we found our selves being exited through the gift shop.  One thing that we were learning about Asher during this week together is that he is starting to be interested in all of the "stuff" marketed to him everywhere. That was first evident when he started saying "Buy It" to me, and again noticeable the day before at KFC when he desperately wanted me to get him something from the toy vending machine.  On this particular day, seconds after entering the gift shop, Asher immediately began running around the store and picking items that he liked and shoving them into his stroller for us to purchase.  It was entertaining to watch, but a bit troublesome at the same time.  We ended up with a large turtle and 3 penguins in the stroller, and he was not happy that none of them came home with us!

Family Picture

When we were finished with the Aquarium, it was surprisingly early (only about noon).  We had planned for it to take the entire day, so we set out to figure out what to do with our spare time.  Eric decided that we should walk the bridge, so that Asher could say he and Daddy walked to Ohio (although Asher didn't really walk).  Reluctantly, I followed behind carrying my pregnant belly and trying not to think about the heat.

Eric & Asher in Ohio....we found it strange that they didn't have any kind of sign.

After our walk over the river, we found a Five Guys for lunch.  We had never been there before, but had heard it was good...and it was!

Asher insisting on pushing his stroller.

Next, we decided to sit by the river to relax in the shade for a bit as we figured out what to do for the rest of the day.  The more we thought about it, we realized that we could easily make it back to the cottage that day, allowing us to save on a hotel for the evening and giving us a relaxing day tomorrow with no were to go.  We agreed that this was a great idea, after having too many stressful nights in hotels and hours in the car with our grumpy (at times) traveler.  Eric called the hotel we had reserved for the evening, canceled the reservation and then we set off for Michigan.

Newport on the Levee

Once in the car, Asher was out before we even made it out of the parking garage.

On the drive back to Michigan, we saw some interesting sites...

I am not sure what this building was, but the entire roof was covered with statues of giraffes!

Ohio's way of notifying the government for additional traffic areas?

We also drove through a town in either Indiana or Ohio that had windmills as far as you could see.  There was easily hundreds of them.  Quite an interesting sight.  Eventually though, we made it to the cottage, where we were able to play outside for a bit and then enjoy dinner and dessert with Eric's parents.

For dessert, Eric surprised me by having his parents pick me up a DQ cake for a belated birthday celebration.  It was delicious, and when we left on Saturday we were careful to pack it tightly with ice so that we could drive it 4 hours home with us.  It worked and I have been enjoying it at home since! :)

There were no birthday candles, so I got a drink umbrella and a match. :)

After witnessing this and singing Happy Birthday again (Eric's and Asher's birthdays in June + mine in July), Asher has since started singing the birthday song to us on and off...one of his new favorites.  He sings, "Birthday to you, Birthday to you, Happy Birthday".  :)