Octopuses/pods/pi are Awesome!

[botias]

The boys and I went on a mini-tour of the local marine laboratory this morning. Arwen the Giant Pacific Octopus graciously condescended to emerge from her cave, diaphanous skirts flowing and billowing, and examined us in return with large metallic gold eyes. Her tentacles touched the front of the aquarium like a person might hold a railing as they took in the view. For the most part, she chose to be about the size of a beach ball (our guide reminded us that her only hard body part was her beak which is about the diameter of a ping pong ball, so she can make herself that small/narrow if she so wishes) with her tentacles probably 5 or 6 ft from tip to tip. Magnificent! If I've ever seen a more beautiful creature, I can't recall it.

Then we walked down the hill to Trinidad State Beach where the kids climbed on very big rocks and extremely dirty cliffs until their dear mother's nerves could bear it no longer. Now that I've puttered in the garden for a few hours, they've talked me into watching a movie during which 3yo will hopefully nap. Then it's baths, tooth brushing, and some mind-rotting computer games before bed.

Comments

[empresspatti.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a perfect day!

[(Anonymous)]

Yes, It sounds like a lovely day, a mother with her sons, bonding time. Even with their dear mother's nerves frazzled and mind-rotting bedtime games.

[mere-ubu.livejournal.com]

I'm fairly certain that this has to be the most beautiful description of an octopus ever. She sounds lovely! Z. and I saw a much smaller octopus at the Baltimore Aquarium in March, and we were both hypnotized. It kept rippling back and forth across the glass, and I could have watched it do that for a looong time.

Ah yes, the climbing. I've lost track now of how many pairs of jeans have been sacrificed to the act of sliding down a very big rock. Apparently, it's an irresistible activity for the little people!

[botias.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad it's not just me re: the octopus. :) At least I have spared you all scans of 8yo's awesome octopus drawings, and a playlist of our fav octopus vids. Or will I...

Yes *sighs*

[botias.livejournal.com]

It was, thanks. :) I've decided that outings should always have a rest day between for my nerves to recover.

[botias.livejournal.com]

It was pretty cool, if tiring. And the boys were all very well-behaved, if too inclined for heights for their mother's taste.