Tennessee Aquarium- WOW

Friday, we woke up to rain... But the weather did not slow us down. Our boat was an easy walk up the waterfall steps to the museum entrance .we began with the salt water building

The boys enjoyed the Penguins .

The tour begins at the top.. The escalator ride was a highlight too.

There was many areas that were hands on..

Up close and able to touch a bonnet shark.. They loved it

Next was the butterfly area

Jayce got to hold a butterfly

It was very nice seeing the butterflies but...

Let's see the Sharks !!!!

Boys in the shark cage.

Papa pointing to a huge sea turtle!!

This "kissy face" fish came close to check us out.

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Great tanks to see so much.. Big lobster here.

Illuminating jellyfish... Very cool!

Boys with Kate inside a crab aquarium.

So many neat fish to be seen.

And more interesting jellyfish!

The boys really loved the salt water tanks

The salt water tanks and fish were spectacular !!! At noon we had tickets to the IMAX 3-D theater..

It was the    The Island of Lemers of Madagasgar..

We all wore our special glasses

The show was 45 minutes and very entertaining and informative .. But time to return to the boat for naps and recharge.

After naps it was back to the aquarium to see the fresh water side .

The river otters were so cute!

The Aquarium is really nicely done.. We had a great visit!

Very kid friendly and perfect for all ages.

Nice trout.

Cute little gator.

Several folks along the way willing to answer any questions or share interesting facts.

As you can see, an easy walk from the river.. I was in heaven !! Spending time with my grandsons!!! Only wished Colton ( our other grandson) could have been with us this weekend! That would make it even extra special!!

Nonstop fun with the Castlemans

Our daughter Kate, her husband Josh and their three sons came to Chattanooga for the IronmanCompetition!  The whole downtown area has been all a buzz.. Many days of preparation , roads closed , tents and stages set up ... Truly a transformation.

This is one of our reasons for coming to Chattanooga and staying the two weeks. More time with the Castlemans and cheering on Josh!

The participants swim for 2.4 miles (part of this is right next to our boat) , then they ride their bikes for 116 miles.. And the they run for 26.5 miles to the finish line .. AMAZING!!!!

Our location is front and center to the race. However, with roads closed off and parking a challenge we were concerned where the kids could park or unpack.. We were given the OK by police to come down the closed roads.. Closed and no other cars...  Perfect!

Before arriving here in Chattanooga, the Castlemans made a few stops to visit with family on their way. They stayed over with cousin Kari and her family.. It was a fun visit. Then they made their way into Atlanta to visit Grandmommie in her new place.

Sounds like it was enjoyed by all!

  

 After their long drive we all walked across the bridge and found a beautiful carousel ... The boys picked out their favorite animal to ride..

Each animal was a work of art!

Layne loved his fish ride.

There is so much to do all around town

The boys did great with the long walks and stairs .

There energy is never ending!!

I know I was worn out at the end of each day!

Always great to see family and friends

We had a fun packed weekend..  Phil's sister Cyn and her husband Andy were here.. We enjoyed a stroll through the Hunter Museum. They had the Monet exhibit on display.

The weather was outstanding and the parking was free after 6 PM.

The building for the Monet was very interesting ,

There was a lot of art that I found to be beautiful and interesting and other pieces... Not so.

Dinghy ride for Cyn.

A small water plane cruised by us.

Dinner at Tony's .. Up in the art district.

Polly came and joined us for most of the day and out for dinner and ice cream too.. I'm so glad she made the drive up to see us... (Buster too) thanks for coming Polly.. Come again anytime anywhere.

On Sunday, we played golf.. It was great.

It's beginning to have that autumn feeling in the air..

Golf and boating... Makes him happy.

On Monday we had a meeting with our attorney .. Easy peasy lemon Squeasy .. Papers signed..?

A while out and about.. Breakfast at Waffle House. And 2nd opinion with Dr House... All is great until next year and repeat..

At the end of the day , Kyle and Brad joined us for dinner on the boat.. Salmon and steak!!! A lot of great sides too and topped off with Key Lime pie !

Great light at sunset.

Life is good along the water in Chattanooga.

A day to get stuff done..

Sometimes it's not all about having fun.. There are the usual  things that need to get done, like doctors appointments. We both saw our doctor today for our yearly well visits..

There is something quite comforting about this picture in the exam in room . I think it speaks of great care from this office..

After our exams we drove to where our camper is stored and Phil got it all "winterized".  Not fun and exciting but.. Needs to get done.

Now one less thing to worry about.. Time to get back to the river

There is always something going on at the river.

Buster says he'd rather explore the river by dinghy

Red white and Blue day on the River

Today was a great day!!! In memory of the five service men who were killed here in Chattanooga back in July, there was a parade, speeches, prayers and songs.. Also the Blue angles flew over and free concerts into the evening.. Topped with fireworks at dark. It was great.. And to make it even better ... Was to share the day with Kelly and her daughter Paige.

The day began with a beautiful sunrise.

We got the dinghy in the water for exploring the river..

Lookout!!!!  Get it... That's Lookout Mountain in the distance .

Also we could see the goings on at Riverfront.

With our dinghy, we could get quite close to the behind the stage. 

 We did walk out on the lawn and among the crowds .. Even bought a T-shirt..

 And there I am with the Mayor of Chattanooga .. He seems like a nice man.. A great gathering to help raise money for the families of these fallen service men..

The Blue Angles were AWESOME!!

Thank you Kelly and Paige Pierce for trying to "smuggle" in the KFC!!!  It was yummy and we truly enjoyed our day with you two .. Great parking spot too!

Paige looking good with Buster and Phil on the dinghy.

We enjoyed the concert from afar, sitting on the boat was so much more comfortable..

Perfect for the fireworks..

Yep.. It was a great day!  God bless America!