This has been a LONG, HOT summer — to say the least. Since the pool closed, we needed something new to keep us occupied. I had seen an ad for this aquarium in Grapevine and decided it was a good time to try it out — we have to make the most of Raine’s last few weeks of being two and getting in for free.

It was a blast! Since this was the first week of school, there was hardly anyone there so the kids could run around and see everything without running into anyone. Our favorite part of the aquarium was the 360* tunnel through the big tank.

Carter had a hard time walking on that glass floor, it was hilarious to watch.

The aquarium had all sorts of bubbles that the kids could climb into and see into the middle of the fish tank. Here is Raine saying ‘hi’ to a stingray.

And one of the tropical fish tanks.

Almost all of the tanks had glass down to within a couple inches of the floor so Carter didn’t need any help to see. He felt like such a big kid running from tank to tank and looking inside.

Raine loved the “petting” area. She had no fear of sticking her hand in there and touching anything the worker brought up . . . including this nasty looking little guy.

Carter wasn’t so sure at first, but after watching Raine touch sea stars, crabs, and who knows what else, he eventually worked up the courage to touch one too.

Raine is such a sweet big sister to Carter.

She helps him out and teaches him whatever she knows.

I’m not saying that she never steals his toys or gets mad at him when he touches her stuff, but at moments like this I know these two are going to grow up to be great friends. And it makes my momma-heart smile!