Baltimore

Today we went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. It was only a 35 minute drive with no traffic - perfect!

Here are the girls waiting for David and Spencer to return with tickets for the dolphin show!

The first thing the kids saw when we walked in the door was this tank of trout. They thought this was pretty neat - but they hadn't seen anything yet!
In the jaw of a shark! The jaw is a reproduction, but the teeth are real.

Gemma and Gianna played by the bubbles.
Here is the family in the rain forest exhibit.
This is us just before the dolphin show. I think this was the high-light for all of us.

After the aquarium, we had lunch and then walked over to tour a submarine and an old Navy ship from the civil war era. The aquarium is on the waterfront - complete with shopping area, restaurants and several ships to tour - we chose two. While we did the tour, mom shopped at Barnes and Noble (she needed to rest her legs!).
This sub sank the last enemy warships at the end of World War II. Walking through this sub gave me a greater respect for men of that era.
David taking control of the "comm."
After exploring the sub, we then boarded the USS Constellation. This is the only vessel still afloat that saw active service during the American Civil War.

Gianna at the helm.

Spencer checking out the sleeping arrangements!

The family on deck!

And this was Gianna about 2 minutes after we returned to the car. She spent the day either walking, on David's shoulders or being carried by one of us. It was a long day - but a lot of fun!