Sharks & Stingrays

So, after two years of begging and pleading, I finally convinced Matt to go to the Denver Aquarium with me. Everyone says it's a must-do in Denver--which was good enough reason for me to go--but we didn't know much about it other than that. I think we were both pleasantly surprised by how entertaining (and educational, of course) it was.

In fact, Matt was entertained from the moment he got to put on his scuba gear.

The aquarium takes you through different ecosystems, showing you which fish (and a few other animals) live there and providing some fun activities along the way. Matt went mining for gold in the mountains...

... and then we got the weather report in the desert. Bet you can't guess who's more excited about the warm desert sun.

We especially enjoyed the rainforest, which had a bunch of fun animals like a tiger, turtles, parrots and PIRANHAS! I dared Matt to stick his finger in their tank (because we're really mature like that), but he didn't (because we actually are somewhat mature). I think he was a bit creeped out by their beady little eyes:

Since the tiger was asleep, the turtles took home the prize for the rainforest section. Maybe we're just easily amused but they were cracking us up! They'd be sitting on their rocks and then carefully inch toward the water... and inevitably dive/fall in before they were quite ready. It was pretty cute.

Then we got to the "ocean," where Matt tried (unsuccessfully) to communicate with the fish.

The ocean section had a few of these tunnels, which are always fun.

Even more impressive, however, was the huge shark tank that let you get up close and personal with the, um, precious things.

Matt was a little apprehensive at first...

...but then he warmed right up.

And just when we thought our little aquarium tour was over, we walked into the stingray exhibit and got to pet the little guys! I may or may not have been a bit jumpy every time they'd turn and look at me while I was petting them.
Matt, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind.

It was a good time.