Maliea is now 23!!!

 Good Morning Baltimore! No traffic at all driving up for Maliea's birthday excursion. Until we were only 2 1/2 miles away from the National Aquarium, then it took us 25 minutes to drive past this smoke stack thing. Maliea was so excited when I told her what her birthday adventure was going to be.

  Our first major stop was inside the Aquarium. It is several stories high and simply amazing in the architecture. This is a great picture of the two of us despite it being blurry. Moving escalator and mirrors!

 So very ,very much to see and do. Rays and Sharks with a 4D movie in-between. What is a 4D movie? We didn't know but since we were told the Dolphin show was cancelled we purchased tickets. After being misted, poked in the back, air blown in our faces and our bodies shaken, we were not sure about watching a movie about the Poles of the World in 4D.

 Maliea always has change in her wallet. She wanted to help save part of a coral reef, so she donated.

 Our favorite parts of the aquarium!! I loved the jellyfish exhibit. It was very difficult to capture nice pictures because often the rooms were to dark and there was reflection off of the displays. I learned if I pressed the lens straight to the glass, the pictures turned out fairly good.

When we got to the aquarium, we were told there had been a new baby dolphin born in the last several weeks and they cancel all shows for awhile to help the baby adjust. Maliea was disappointed to say the least. Then to our surprise; after all the school groups left, they opened up the dolphin tanks. We got to get really close to them. Then a staffer told us how to see the baby in the far tank. Maliea was so very delighted! This was her very favorite part. She loves dolphins so much.

 After the aquarium...what to Maliea's happy eyes did she see? Oh YES! The biggest Barnes and Noble she has ever located. My happy fortune was that it was right next door. I couldn't have asked for an easier route.

 We both thought this statue was a little odd! We spent 2 1/2 hours in the bookstore, of course leaving with a few copies of books from Maliea's favorite authors.

 We then headed to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. The portions are huge! We could only eat a small amount and then we got some cheesecake to take home.

As we left, the aquarium was lit up for the evening. It was way past 10pm! Maliea really had the best birthday. I loved getting to spend time just her and me! I can't believe my little one is now so grown up and OLD.  Her sweet spirit is such a joy in our lives. Maliea, we love you so much! Thank you for being part of our family. Happy Birthday my dearest daughter!