Adventures in Atlanta

Since we moved up here to Atlanta, we have been itching to show the kids around the town.  Jason especially has been talking up all the exciting things we can do in the big city.  So last weekend we all piled into the van and headed downtown. 
Jack was in awe of the big buildings and would call out the shapes he saw on top of the tallest ones.  Now when I ask him to go with me somewhere he will ask if we can go by the "building with the triangle on top" or some other shape that he remembers seeing during our drive through downtown.  Allison was asking a million questions, attempting to wrap her head around what we were doing, where we were going, what was expected.  She gets a bit anxious and we reassured her that indeed this would be a fun day.
Our first stop was the Georgia Aquarium.  We had not been there since Allison was about three months old and she spent the day wide eyed and mouth agape at all the fish.  Turns out not much has changed in the last five years.

Jack was a little nervous to get close to the glass, which to his defense was a bit surreal.  You definitely feel like you are one inch away to being submerged with all the fish.

Allison needed an activity, something to keep her mind off the overwhelming sensory experience.  Thankfully the aquarium delivered with the fish card.  Essentially it is a look and find for all the different types of fish.  She loved it, and became less scared of the sharks and more excited about identifying grouper, sawfish, whale sharks and the rest.

During the dive show in front of the big tank, Allison raised her hand to ask a question.  We screened her question first, and approving of it, allowed her to ask it in front of the large crowd.  She was so confident and mature as she asked, "Why do the fish and shark tails go side to side and dolphin tails go up and down?"  I surely did not know the answer and neither did the gentlemen fielding the questions.  Referring to the diver who was on an underwater microphone, the expert was able to answer.  Turns out that mammal tails go up and down and fish go side to side.  It is a way to tell species apart.  I must admit I got teary with pride at the observation skills and intellect to ask such a good question of my little girl.   I definitely learned a new scientific fact that day. 

There are lots of crawl spaces and tunnels throughout the aquarium for the little ones to explore and get behind, in and go through the exhibits.  I went with them several times and had to swallow a bit of panic when trapped between throngs of children under the penguins.  Not my favorite, but with focus on the faces of my kids I was able to somewhat enjoy the experience.  Some of the crawl spaces were more forgiving and I was able to sit back and enjoy my children taking in what is certainly an awe inspiring underwater world.

Of course they wanted to stay the longest with the piranhas.  Little do they know what those fish are capable of.  Allison also got hold of the camera and I do believe I have a budding photographer on my hands.  There were over 148 pictures of fish and other scenes on the camera that were sorted through.  Some of them are actually quite good...like 5 or 6 of them. 

Next it was on to the World of Coke.  My family is full of Coca Cola drinkers.  There is never a Pepsi in sight.  I drink the real, full sugar kind preferring a good fountain Cherry Coke or a can of Vanilla Coke.   I like Coca Cola memorabilia and the museum has lots to offer in that regard.  My dad used to work for Coke and we would sport "Coke is It" shirts frequently.  I can't help but think those ratty shirts would be considered vintage now.

The characters that Coke brings out are animated better than any Disney character.  This polar bear was hilarious and could change his expressions and interact with us.  The kids were a bit scared of him due to his size, but he was definitely Mimi's favorite and got some genuine laughs from the adults.  Can you spy Emma in the picture?  Yep, she was there too!

Allison got to hold a real Olympic torch.  I thought that it was so cool!

This cheerleader is a character from their Super bowl ad.  She was funny too.  I think Coke has marketing geniuses.  

The finale was tasting Coke products from around the world.  It is definitely the highlight for me personally and we let the kids try them all too.  Now, they have had Sprite on special occasions but never the caramel colored stuff.  Allison dove right in and her favorite was the one that "tasted like marshmallows" i.e. Vanilla Coke.  Girl after my own heart!  The tastings rocked Jack's world.  His favorites were actually from Africa so we will be needing to make trips over there to ship back cases of that yellow soda.  He reacted to that sugar and carbonation hitting his bloodstream like a crazy man.  He was talking a mile a minute and jumping and dancing around.  He left with a soda mustache and a huge smile on his face. 

Our initial adventure in Atlanta was a huge success.  The kids had a wonderful day and we got to have a fun family experience.