Charleston Aquarium

We took a quick trip into Charleston this morning to check out the aquarium.  The aquarium is smaller than Atlanta's but is perfectly setup to grab the attention of a two year old and his family.  Currently they had a new Madagascar exhibit with lemurs that included a pop-up window inside a tunnel in the exhibit.  Carter was in it immediately and wanted to make sure everyone saw him.

Then it was off to take a drive in the bush truck.

Where we were able to pick up our special delivery.

Then we explored the other animals of Madagascar.  Carter really enjoyed seeing the rays and sharks at eye level (normally we only see these from above in touch tanks).

After Madagascar, we walked the rest of the aquarium, which is mostly geared towards exhibiting South Carolina aquatic life.  However, before more fish, the first animal they have is a bald eagle.  Carter really tried to match the wingspan display, but still has a few more years of growing to do.

Parker, on the other hand, knew exactly what he wanted to be... a shark!

In addition to the fish, Carter worked on some of his nautical skills.  From the way the wheel on this ship was turning, it will be doing circles in the water for days to come.

The aquarium sits right on Charleston Harbor and has numerous decks that just out into the bay.  Carter and Parker had a great time hanging out together watching the doings in the harbor, particularly the boats.

Here they look to the east over one of the Ft. Sumter ferry docks.

Then it was a good time looking North and up harbor at the Cooper River Bridge and Mt. Pleasant.  Carter was an excellent guide for Parker and they hung out side by side for a good while.

They both seemed confused when Mom and Dad asked them to turn around for some photos.

But Parker soon turned on the charm.

Then off to more fun, the roof is a living environment that simulates the coastal and marsh environments.  All the boys were excited to explore.

Carter also had a great chance to interact with some sea stars and urchins at the touch tanks.

But deep down he always wanted to exhibit his true ocean love, to be an octopus.

On our way out, we spent some more time watching the harbor and the ships that came in and out.

Parker made sure that he kept the sun of him as much as possible as he watched the boats.

Carter wasn't ready to go when it was time, as his attention quickly was distracted when the Ft. Sumter ferry pulled in to dock.

Carter has really gotten into obsessing about boats and this trip to the aquarium and the ability to see so much of the harbor only managed to further stoke those fires.  Unfortunately, we had to go home for nap time and to get ready to see our friends who were coming later in that afternoon.