Chattanooga Getaway: Part 2

After securing the car in the {free} hotel parking deck, a quick bathroom break/diaper change, and some leftover pizza for lunch, we were off to the Tennessee Aquarium to meet the Lichfield's. The aquarium, situated on Chattanooga's downtown riverfront, offers a journey through two buildings -- the River Journey and Ocean Journey.

We picked to go through the River Journey first. We arrived just in time for Ranger Rick's Backyard Safari and got to see a Eurasian eagle owl, red-fronted macaws, and a keel-billed toucan. In this building we also saw river otters, seahorses, colorful frogs, turtles, an alligator, and many freshwater fish species such as trout, giant catfish, and sturgeons, including a huge beluga sturgeon {the largest freshwater fish in Europe}. And at the lake sturgeon touch station, we got to touch some of the prehistoric fish that once ruled the rivers of Tennessee. Ryan and Ellie also had some fun standing up in the middle of a fish tank!!

Ryan was fascinated with the show :)

Such a cool view!!

David was sure that this alligator was just a statue ... until it finally moved and proved him wrong. Glad it was in a tank!

Ryan was apprehensive about touching the sturgeons, but didn't want to leave so David helped him out by shoving his hand into the water as one swam by :)

A good shot of the kiddos as we were leaving the River Journey ... thanks to a little candy bribery :)

Next up, the Ocean Journey. This building was our favorite! Our first stop was the stingray touch station, where we got to touch several different kinds of stingrays. We then headed through the aquarium's butterfly garden -- a weird aquarium exhibit to me, but tropical nonetheless. And as we made our way through the rest of the building, we came across sharks, sea turtles, penguins, an octopus, lots and lots of jellyfish, and many colorful reef fish.

Waiting for a stingray ... they were a little shy this afternoon or we were standing in the wrong spot.

Lots of Happy Feet according to Ryan :)

A real octopus -- this thing was a little creepy!

The SHARK tank, Ryan's favorite exhibit. I am still amazed that Ryan and Ellie had the entire window to themselves {for a few minutes at least}. The layout of the aquarium was excellent!

Watching the Nemo fish {aka, clown fish}, another kid favorite thanks to Finding Nemo :)

Upside down jellyfish, anyone??

Lounging in the last exhibit. It was so calm and relaxing + everyone was ready for a quick nap :)

A group pic before we left the aquarium. We had a fun afternoon with Adam, Lisa, Ellie, and Gavin!

We finished up at the aquarium around 5 o'clock so we opted for an early dinner together before the Lichfield's headed home and we headed back to the hotel for the night {it was going to be an early night since Ryan hadn't had a nap}. Big River Grille, which was right around the corner from the aquarium, had been recommended to us so we gave it a try. And I am so glad we did because it was delicious. I wish I could have the fish tacos again for dinner tonight. Yum!

Our hotel had a super nice little courtyard with an indoor/outdoor pool, an outdoor fireplace, and a fire pit, the latter of which I somehow talked David into sitting by for a few minutes when we got back; however, we sat there for all of about 5 minutes before I left for a nearby Walmart to get Ryan a bathing suit. Bad idea on my part! I should have enjoyed the cozy fire while I had the chance. After an unsuccessful attempt at swimming {the water was too cold for my boys}, we were off to bed ... at 8 o'clock! :)

My boys enjoying the fire :)

Day 1 in Chattanooga was a blast!! Now onto Day 2, which was just as fun.