NOLA Aquarium

Hurricane Katrina killed most of the fish at the New Orleans Aquarium. Since then, however, they've managed to build up the exhibits. It is small when compared to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but the exhibits are thoughtfully arranged and beautiful.

Aquarium days are always fun. In general, I think they are too expensive. But considering a portion of the cost goes toward helping oceanlife, I don't mind spending the money on occassion to let Lily explore new animals and experiences.

Lily was so excited Friday night when I told her we were going to the aquarium. She woke up at 6:30 Saturday morning and the first words out of her mouth were "We're going to the Aquarium!" Being the good mother that I am, I groaned, rolled over and told her to go back to bed. She was not amused.

So instead of giving into the blissful oblivion of sleep, I pulled myself out of bed, gave myself a jolt of caffeine, and got ready to battle the strollers and sreaming toddlers in order to catch a glimpse of an electric eel and pet a starfish. Not only did Lily get to see exotic sea creatures like jellyfish and prianhas, but she got to see what she would look like as a starfish. That was worth the $50 entrance fees, I'd say.

But really, it was a fulfilling day. Lily got a kick out of seeing Nemo and Dory up close and personal and I got to experience the mugginess of a summer day in the south. I also decided that I want a salt water aquarium, so long as it can look as vibrant and beautiful as these with no maintanance required. I've been told it isn't possible, but I remain skeptical. In fact, I think I will invent one and make a killing.

It was the first time Lily ever saw a lobster other than on a plate. It was also the first time she saw an anaconda (an experience I would not like to repeat. Even behind thick plexiglass, it was creepy).

There were firsts for me as well. It was the first time I saw a tiger fish, a truly cool animal with very poisonous spindly-things surrounding its body.

And an albino alligator that looked like a porcelain statue. It is hard to believe a creature so beautiful could be so dangerous.

I don't think the hour we spent wandering through the exhibits was worth $50, but with the recent oil disaster in the Gulf, I figure these animals could use the money more than I could. And Lily had a great time.

The Simple Things

Not many people are privy to the goings-on of the past seven months of our branch of the Hamilton clan. Suffice it to say life has not been a bed of roses of late. Through it all, I've been reminded time and again the importance of stoping to smell the roses. I am so grateful for my beautiful daughter for showing me the joys in each new day. All she needs to make her happy is a fist full of pretty weeds, a fishing pole, and baby goats. If only we were all so easily satisfied.

There is no better salve for a broken heart than being surrounded by all of her sweet, innocent joy. It doesn't hurt that she's so dang cute. Because let's be honest, other than yours, she is the cutest child you've ever seen, yes?

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Story of my life recently. Here are some shots for your viewing pleasure. Happy Easter.

Christmas in Dixie, Part Deux

Pictures, pictures and more pictures. I always said I wish we could have Christmas year-round. Now I am fulfilling my own wish and bringing you Christmas in May.

Mom, thank you for instilling such a strong sense of tradition. It is something I hope to pass on to my daughter. My best memories of my childhood involve these traditions, including the annual making of the gingerbread trains (and, much to my childlike dismay, giving them away). Lily and her cousins had a blast passing on the tradition (and I gained a new respect for your dedication...it took me two days to bake and put the dratted things together).

A tradition my parents never adopted, was opening a gift on Christmas Eve. Present-opening was strictly for Christmas morning. I remember feeling ths was the height of unfair-ness when all my friends got to pick a present to unwrap Christmas Eve. This year, in hopes of not passing on the unfortunate scars of this childhood trauma, Lily got to pick one gift before bed.

Then she and her cousins got a very exciting call from he big man in red himself, who was, according to NASA's Santa tracker, flying over Germany at the time.

Using a little Christmas magic and a sprinkle of pixie dust, he appeared on our front porch not ten minutes later to say goodnight.

Lily was soooooo excited for Santa to come. So excited, in fact, that she did not fall asleep until around 1:00 a.m. (after no nap and being put to bed at 7:30). Everytime I went in to check on her she would pop up in bed and say "Santa's here?" Even my claims that he couldn't come until she was sleeping didn't help. She just was too excited to accomodate us.

At 6:00 a.m., Lily woke excitedly (or rather, her mommy woke her up and told her Santa came...what can I say, I'm a big kid), ready to see the goodies that were left while she slept.

And she made out like a bandit, with baby dolls, a stroller, crib, playpen, swing, high chair and all sorts of accessories to care for her many, many baby dolls.

And she got to experience it all with her beloved cousins. As she is and likely will remain an only child, I told her that she better enjoy it while she could.

Did I mention the super-cool jeep Santa left her? That Santa was feeling really generous this year.

I am certain there were adorable little anectdotes I've forgotten in the five months since the holidays, but now I feel much better being updated. Stay tuned for more recent events with my next post...