Wednesday in Emerald Isle

Today, in an effort to stay out of the sun, we headed over to the newly remodeled NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. It had been closed for at least three summers, maybe four, for major renovations. David and I have visited the aquarium every year that we've come to Emerald Isle, from the time we were dating, to when we had one, two and then three children. The last time we went to the NC Aquarium was in the summer of 2002, when Katherine was just 4. I remember only because we have pictures of when we went with the Martindale family and their youngest was still in a snugli. We didn't come to the beach the next year because Will was still needing oxygen. The next year we arrived ready to go to the aquarium only to find that it was closed for the summer.



Our trip today was very similar to those of years ago. The building is much bigger, with larger tanks and more spacious common areas. The popular touch tank and 1902 stuffed alligator are still there. We were also happy to see the penny smoosher in the lobby outside the gift shop. We have added a sea turtle, a sting ray and dolphins to our growing collection.

The shark tank is immense with several different types of sharks and many other varieties of fish swimming around in it. Every once in a while we'd see Bruce swim by and disappear into the black depths. Will would watch for a awhile and then ask "Where's Bruce?"

There were two touch tanks, one with skates and sting rays, and another with whelks and horseshoe crabs. The kids were all able to pick up and hold the various creatures to examine their underbellies and to see how they turn themselves over. Morgan loved it as always, and Katherine warmed to the idea, but Caroline and Will thought they'd rather eat spinach!

As we left the building, we passed by a sand sculpture created by Sandy Feat. In all the years that we've come to Emerald Isle this group has participated in the annual sand sculpture contest held the first weekend in August held at a nearby hotel.

Once we finally made it home (after stops for sunglasses and lunch), David took all the kids down to the beach for some fishing and boogie boarding. The kids all love being in the water, even Katherine and Will who have been our most hesitant swimmers. Katherine's an old pro now, and Will's showing no fear! As for the fishing, casting is good exercise and the process is good for the soul. I think there were some catches, but all were too small to keep. That didn't stop David from staying out on the beach until after dark.



The kids played Uno and Rush Hour. I managed to put the shark puzzle together - finally. After that we all watched a movie until late into the night. I went to bed dreading the early wake up call that Morgan had planned for us.