Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

I forgot to include our trip to the aquarium on my Labor Day weekend post.  We ended up going up to the museum with our neighbors and their kids, which turned into a really fun day.  It took about an hour and a half to get up there, but was a nice, scenic drive, so we didn't mind at all.  We opted to get the year membership, so I'm sure there will be plenty more trips to the aquarium in our future.

Reagan in the aquarium entrance area.  The building was beautiful.

Reagan holding a blue starfish in the "petting" area.  They also had sea cucumbers, which she described as "squooshy" - that's all I needed to hear to leave it laying at the bottom of the tank!

They had 3 whale sharks that we noticed.  Absolutely the biggest fish I've ever seen in person.  

Brandon hates these photos, but for some reason I feel a strong urge to take one every time he's wearing Brock :).  

This one smiled at me, how could I not take its picture?

In the museum area, this petrified fish caught our attention - lame pun, I know. 

So, I mentioned that we went with our neighbors, they brought along a little friend of their daughters, who is Japanese.  I think her name is Sacura, or something like that, but anyway, she turned into our translator for the day.  She stumbled on this free craft area, so we all made a shell creation.   

This is the outside of the aquarium.  

The dolphin show at the aquarium.  It's no SeaWorld, but it wasn't bad.  
They also have a manatee and turtle exhibit, but we didn't make it to those attractions this visit. 

Ok, I know this one looks bad...  We went to American Village one day to just walk around and check it out.  It was HOT outside!  We stopped for Shaved ice and felt guilty eating in front of a melting Brock.  I dug to the inside of my shaved ice to find the pure ice and he was in heaven!   I should have taken video of how fast his tongue was licking my spoon!