We’re dating.

When my 6yo was a near 3yo, I was on a mission. We went on dates several times a week; he was challenged in his everyday activities with both peers and as an individual; and I happily planned and scheduled him in sports and story times and you name it.

I have neglected my littlest.

So now? We’re dating.

Lots of little daytime dates will be happening from now on, especially since he’s such a smart little cookie and he needs more than just momma.

Our first adventure? The Denver Aquarium.

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He was not sure at first, convinced that he would be eaten by a crocodile, but he soon warmed to the idea after he talked me into bringing the kids’ iPod for his own photojournalistic documentary of this excursion. And after all of that work, he ended up going through my pictures, critiquing and reliving each, to pick his faves from the day.

First up? The stuck turtle-like thing.

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Seriously. We think it was stuck between those two branches. It kind of flailed. For a while. A good while.

And the otters. I love them.

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We both tried to get some good shots of them, but they were too quick.

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We went through the different rooms slowly, picking our way around this tank and that…

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Until finally going through the tunnel and looking up to see this.

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Looks like a botoxed alien in a mumu. Nearly peed my pants giggling.

This fish was kissing his cheek. Pfft.

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I love this turtle, too. Named him Crush. (That’s original.)

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One of the funniest things ever is to see your boy pop up in the middle of an aquarium. He looks like a bobble head.

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We have studied and talked about this sea star below a lot. The little guy is fascinated with how he must have lost his ray.

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Grumpy fish.

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Searching, nearly in vain, for the tigers. Yes, tigers. At the aquarium.

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And barely spotted.

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They’re surrounded by a big moat of fish. These fish, to be exact.

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What underwater adventure would be complete sans Nemo and Dory? Not this one.

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And Jacques. Oui.

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I love this fish so much. My eyes nearly went cross-eyed forever from trying to stare at his crazy stripes and swirls.

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Oh, the jellies. Nature’s own lava lamp.

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After feeling like we’d been watching the Big Lebowski, we made our way to the restaurant.

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I have to admit, it felt somewhat odd eating fish there, but we did anyway.

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The best part?

The Shark Attack.

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I accidentally broke his dorsal fin off and also accidentally ate it. And by the way, this pic does nothing to show perspective. We brought 2/3 of this cake home, which barely fit in the take-home box. Gracious mercy it was large.

But it did induce a lovely sugar coma for someone who’s knocking on the door of three years old.

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Now that’s a good date.

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