Life with Dylan

Category: Aquarium of the Pacific

  • Exploring Summer of Wonder at the Aquarium of the Pacific

    This summer is all about spending time at some of our favorite places close to home. Getting outside and exploring to find new things is not only fun, but a great way to spend time together as a family. Last week Dylan and I spent the day in Long Beach at the Aquarium of the Pacific. We love living so close to one of the top aquariums in the United States. Each time we visit there is something new to see and of course old friends to see too. Like our penguin pals Avery and Kate – they are parents now! Congratulations guys!

    The Aquarium of the Pacific always has wonderful exhibits to explore year round, but this visit was to celebrate the newest experience, Summer of Wonder.

    Summer of Wonder gives kids of all ages (even parents) a chance to get a closer look then ever before at some animals with more interactive experiences and special behind-the-scenes look at animals feedings.

    Visiting the new bonnethead shark and cownose ray touch pool in Shark Lagoon was Dylan’s favorite part of the day. We learned all about target feeding during a training session and then had the opportunity to touch the sharks and rays.

    Over in the Molina Animal Care Center we touched Atlantic horseshoe crabs. These guys are super unique because their blood turns blue when exposed to air due to the presence of a copper containing molecule called hemocyanin. Pretty cool if you ask me.

    There is also a new exhibit at the very back (past Shark Lagoon) where you can learn all about the Southern California Steelhead fish. These endangered fish are fascinating and I will be sharing their story soon.

    After seeing the outside exhibits of the aquarium we headed upstairs to see the penguins and start exploring the inside exhibits.

    No matter how many times we visit Aquarium of the Pacific, the tanks never cease to amaze me.

    I could sit and watch the marine life all day – especially the jellies!

    Out of all the memories made this day, I think Dylan buying this squid hat topped them all. He wore it all day and got so many compliments too!

    To learn more about Summer of Wonder and for general aquarium information visit aquariumofpacific.org

  • Conversations with an Amazon Milk Frog at Aquarium of the Pacific

    I am always fascinated with the frogs when we visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. Particularly these Amazon milk frogs. I am drawn to them and will stand next to their exhibit for what I’m sure seems like hours to my son.

    These two remind me of old men sitting on the porch talking about the good old days.

    I wonder what they are thinking.
    They are probably wondering who the crazy lady with the camera is.

    They can call me crazy … I don’t mind.

  • Pinniped friends at the Aquarium of the Pacific

    On a recent visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific, we spent some time with the seals and sea lions in hopes of getting a glimpse of Bixby, the baby harbor seal.

    We were all smiles and even had some giggles with these silly pinnipeds.

    The sea lions put on a great show from the underwater viewing area. I could spend hours just sitting here watching them swim around – so big, yet so graceful under water.

  • Enadangered Species Monday – Giving the gift of hope

    One of my favorite ways to help save endangered species is to symbolically adopt and animal and give it as a gift. This holiday season, why not take a look through the World Wildlife Fund virtual Gift Catalog and give someone more than just a present – give them the gift of hope and inspiration to save endangered species.

    You can choose from 100 different animals and they offer six levels of adoption ranging from $25 – $250 so there really is something for everyone. World Wildlife Fund makes it easy to search through the different animals too. You can sort your searches by most popular, by threat level, and by region.

    Selecting an animal might be difficult for some people, but World Wildlife Fund has made this easy too – you can purchase a Gift Adoption Card and let the recipient choose their own animal to symbolically adopt.

    The San Diego Zoo also offers animal adoptions at various levels from $35 – $1,000 and a few limited edition holiday adoptions. The San Diego Zoo monthly Wish List is another place I like to shop for gifts. Although these gifts can’t be wrapped up, it sure is nice to give two gifts at once. This year I purchased several gifts for the animals in honor of family members. Their gifts will be the gift of giving and I think that is the best kind of gift.

    If you are an ocean lover, check out the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Adopt and Animal program where you can symbolically adopt penguins, sharks, otters, sea turtles, seals, and more starting at only $10.

    Most zoos, aquariums and other non-profit organizations offer animal adoptions. Contact your local zoo or support an organization that you like and give the gift of hope this holiday season. 

  • Spooktacular Fun at Scarium of the Pacific – Giveaway

    For those of you who live in Southern California, you know how wonderful the Aquarium of the Pacific is – Filled with tropical fish, sharks, otters, penguins, and my personal favorite jellyfish. As members of the Aquarium we visit often and always learn something new with the many hands-on discovery labs and interactive exhibits.

    This Halloween the Aquarium is transformed into Scarium of the Pacific for two days. During this special event your family can explore the creepy creatures of the deep along with magic shows, face painting, and of course a costume contest for the kiddos.

    There will be spooky storytelling and underwater pumpkin carving – this I have to see! Throughout the aquarium there will be Halloween activities and treats for the little ones. You can print out this coupon and receive FREE admission if your child is in costume during Scarium of the Pacific.

    Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific

    Aside from or regular visits to Aquarium of the Pacific, the special events are a must for my family. We have attended lectures, special member only late nights, whale watching trips, and had the opportunity to preview new exhibits. So when I was asked to give away 8 tickets to this special Halloween event I couldn’t resist the chance to share my families love of the ocean with others. There will be three winners for this giveaway.

    I am giving away one family 4-pack and two sets of 2 tickets each to attend Scarium of the Pacific on Saturday,October 20 or Sunday, October 21, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Enter to win using the Rafflecopter entry form below. Winners will be selected on Tuesday, October 16 at 10:00 p.m. PST

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
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    Scarium of the Pacific is sure to be a day filled with more fun than fright for the whole family.

    Scarium of the Pacific is included with paid admission – $25.95 adults (12+), $22.95 seniors (62+), $14.95 children (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.
    For more information about this special event call (562) 590-3100

    Winners will be selected using Rafflecopter. Due to the time sensitive nature of this giveaway, I reserve the right to draw another winner if I am unable to get a mailing address in a timely manner. Giveaway is only open to residents of the contiguous US. Please make sure I can contact you to notify you if you have won (leaving a valid email address in your comment is a great way). Winners will first be announced on Life with Dylan’s Facebook page, so if you’re not a fan of us on Facebook, you may not know if you win.



  • Instagram Summer

    I can’t believe my summer vacation is over in one short week. Where did the time go? 

    When I look back I think we didn’t really do that much – and then I scroll through my Instagram pictures and realize we did. 
    Days at the beach – impromptu trips for ice cream and frozen yogurt – visits to Aquarium of the Pacific, San Deigo Zoo, and his birthday at San Diego Zoo Safari Park – raising over $1,000 for the tigers – lazy days by the pool – sailing – time spent drawing – basketball at the park – Nighttime Zoo – Reptile Walk – Behind the Scenes Safari
      

    Not bad for a summer vacation. This week we have another trip to the San Diego Zoo, a final trip to Legoland, and of course time by the pool and beach. 
    The best part was that we spent time together. Late nights watching Animal Planet and NatGeo Wild were the best, but no Instagrams of that. 
    Dylan still has another month of summer vacation (lucky kid) and I’m sure he will have fun at Nature Camp and with Grandma. I’ve been having so much fun on my vacation that I never got around to my to do list of chores, but that’s ok, I’m sure they will all be there waiting for me next month. 
    What have you been up to this summer?

  • Wordless Wednesday – Magnificent Jellies

    The tentacles on these jellyfish reminds me of silly string.

     Photos taken on a recent trip to Aquarium of the Pacific.

  • Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes new babies

    To some people springtime means flowers and butterflies, but to many in the animal world it means small bundles of joy. Adorable babies that make me squeal with delight and probably share way too many pictures on Facebook and twitter – but I can’t help it – they are too cute!

    In the last month, Aquarium of the Pacific announced the arrival of two new family members. I’m not sure who is cuter, the Sea Otter or the Harbor Seal.

    This baby sea otter was found separated from her mother in Northern California and brought to Aquarium of the Pacific in early March. Once she is big enough and strong enough, she will be placed in the exhibit with the other rescued otters. She has been named Betty, after Betty White, in honor of the long time support White has shown for the aquarium and all animals.  

                Photo courtesy of Robin Riggs, Aquarium of the Pacific


    Now I must admit that I am partial to this little harbor seal pup. She was born to Shelby, a long time resident of the Aquarium, on April 26, 2012. This picture captures a very loving moment between mother and child and I just adore it. Shelby is a first time mom, so Aquarium marine mammal experts are monitoring them both.

            Photo courtesy of Terri Haines, Aquarium of the Pacific

    Both pups will remain behind the scenes for a few months to insure good health and allow time for bonding – but I’m sure the Aquarium staff will continue to post pictures on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram to keep us all updated on the progress.

    Rescuing marine mammals and other ocean animals is something I feel strongly about, which is why I am a huge supporter of Aquarium of the Pacific. Besides being a wonderful place to spend the day, the Aquarium has great exhibits that educate people and believes in protecting and conserving our oceans for future generations. As a non-profit organization, the Aquarium relies solely on donations and annual memberships.

    I’m looking forward to seeing these little pups when they make they debut and watching them grow. Are you a member of Aquarium of the Pacific?

  • It’s National Save the Frogs Day!

    Between habitat destruction, pesticides and pollution these little amphibians and fighting a tough battle. Frogs play an important role in the food chain and their numbers are declining at extremely rapid rates. Do your part to keep the waters clean and for heaven sake, do not support restaurants that serve frog legs!

    Find out more about what you can do to help at SavetheFrogs.com

    Photo taken at Aquarium of the Pacific.

  • My fascination with jellyfish continues …

    I’m not sure when it started, but I have become obsessed with jellyfish when we visit aquariums.

    Aquarium of the Pacific – 2006

    Monterey Bay Aquarium – 2011

    Aquarium of the Pacific – 2012

    I especially love watching the jellyfish dance. So much that I made a video from a recent trip to Aquarium of the Pacific.