Clara and Emma and the Fish

Clara and Emma joined Grandma and Grandpa Frome and Mommy on a visit to the Baltimore Aquarium. Mommy was thrilled to find out that it opened at 9 am. The only problem with the aquarium is that you can't bring strollers, which, if Mommy had known, would have meant she would have brought the monkey backpacks. Mommy had to carry both Clara and Emma in and around for a few minutes. Emma enjoyed some time with Grandpa as he lifted her to see many of the exhibits. Clara loved walking - running, really, leading Mommy, up the escalators and down the ramps. They were both fascinated with the open water pool that featured sting rays and large turtles. They also loved the different colored frogs, jellyfish and dolphins. Clara started to fall asleep on the way to the car, but Mommy kept her up. Emma fell asleep right when the car started to move and Clara was up and excited and overtired and did her usual routine of yelling before crying and falling asleep. The yelling woke Emma up, so they took turns taking a nap. Not a stellar nap for either kid, but a nap...

It was a great activity for such a hot day. DC hit 97 degrees today!

Mommy took Clara and Emma to Montgomery Mall and was most entertained that she got a little lost- considering how much time she spent there in high school. Clara and Emma enjoyed the playspace that had a few cars and some of the ride on toys - which entertained them without Mommy putting in a penny to make them move! Mommy bought a chocolate/vanilla yogurt to share with Clara and Emma. The saleslady didn't get that Mommy really did need three spoons, until Clara and Emma basically yelled "big spoon." Mommy wasn't too sure that Clara and Emma would like the yogurt, but they did - Emma even asked for the chocolate kind.

Then, it was off to Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods. At BBB, Mommy promised to buy Clara and Emma kid knives- they seem to love cutting and spreading. Mommy let them hold the package and before Mommy knew it- they both opened the package and were waving the knives. Emma announced "I like knives," to the store. Mommy took the knives away and let them play with spoons, which then ended up on their noses-actually balanced, with them both saying "cool tricks" (something from a fav show of theirs- Yo Gabba Gabba). Also, in an effort to get them to drink more and preferably not juice boxes, Mommy got different straw cups.

After dinner, which featured a favorite food, watermelon, and a new idea from Grandma, carrot sticks, and some grilled cheese on challah bread, Clara and Emma played with their new Mr. Potato Head. They loved putting the parts in- even if the potato had four ears or eyes in the wrong place!