Day(s) with Dad

I really hated to do separate activities while on a family vacation, but Ron and the kids really didn't seem to mind ditching Mom for part of a day. In fact, I think Ron was kind of looking forward to time alone with the kids.

When I went on the first morning tour, Ron took the kids to The Oceanarium. It is a lobster hatchery and education center. They learned a lot about lobster and their lifespan. I didn't get a whole lot of details other than they all had a very nice time and learned a lot about lobster. This was one of Ron's favorite vacation activities. When they were done there, they spent some time shopping for souvenirs until I got back.

 

Clara's souvenir

 

The second time I went whale watching, Ron and the kids went on Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater. This is a boat trip that goes out a little way into the bay. Then, Diver Ed puts on his dry suit (water temps are only in the mid 50s) and dives down to the bottom. He takes a camera, a bag, and Mini Ed and shows the kids the ocean floor and the creatures down there. Then, he collects some of the marine life and brings it back up for the kids to see. I was afraid Tyler would think it was kind of babyish since he can dive, but he didn't. The only thing that Tyler found annoying was that Diver Ed was a little over the top & dramatic. For example, he didn't really enjoy having a crab plopped on his head. But, both kids said this was their 2nd favorite vacation activity. They got to touch and hold all the things Ed brought up. Danielle kissed a sea cucumber and a crab. It looked like they had a really good time.

They got back a little later than expected because they had to rescue a kayaker on their way back to shore. A woman in a kayaking tour flipped her kayak and couldn't get back in. The water is dangerously cold so there wasn't much time to waste. Ron said she was fine, just very cold and a bit embarrassed.

One of the family dogs demonstrated proper life jacket procedures.

Mini Ed found an urchin

An unusual amount of starfish in one area

Um, gross!

No one missed Mom at all. Nice job, Dad!