Denver Aquarium

Charlie really wanted to go to the aquarium because Sam had such a great time a couple years earlier. I wasn't too happy about the idea because it was pretty expensive, and I was pretty tired from the long day and being sick.

Sam loved the bubble machine outside the aquarium. He played with it while we waited for the 4D ride to start.

This 4D ride featured Dora and Diego, a couple of Sam's favorite characters. We weren't sure how Sam would react to moving around during a movie, but he really enjoyed it. When he came out, he said, "That was really fun! And I didn't even whine!"

We tried for some pictures. Charlie was a good sport, but (big shocker) Sam was too scared to get inside it.

Then came the actual aquarium. There was a combination of problems. First, as we were coming in, Sam fell on the cement and scraped his knees pretty bad. Plus, he was tired from off the fun of the museum. Then, close to the beginning of the aquarium, they have this area that simulates a flash flood, and it's really loud. Sam does not like loud noises, so he didn't like it at all. After that, it was just downhill. He kept saying things like, "I just want to go home." "My legs keep hurting." "I can't stop whining."

The only part he seemed to have a good time was at the exhibit with the Nemo and Dory fish.

(He was pointing to his shirt, which happened to have Finding Nemo on it)

That lasted for about 2 minutes. Then he was complaining again.

Towards the end, there was a machine where you can squish a penny and engrave a picture on it (hopefully you know what I'm talking about). I told Sam that he could have a penny if he would be happy the rest of the time. That seemed to do the trick. He got a penny with turtles on it, and he was excited. After that, he was happy. Too bad they didn't have one of those at the beginning of the aquarium. Maybe we would have had a better time.

The final exhibit was a pool of sting rays that you could touch if you wanted. Sam did not want to touch them, but at least he wasn't complaining any more.

I think next time we'll be sure not to try to cram so much stuff into one day.