Movies, Texas style

On a sweltering 97 degree day in Katy, TX we needed something to do with 4 kids that involved being out of the heat. We went to the movies to see Up.

We went to the Alamo Drafthouse, the best movie theater EVER!

First off, they have a bar as soon as you enter the lobby. And on either side, there are lounge chairs and couches.

Inside, each seat has a counter in front with menus ready. Your server takes your order and by the time the movie begins you have your food. Now we're not just talking popcorn and Raisinetts. You have your choice from a beer and wine list, burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches. I have never seen anything like it!

Texas does not mess around.

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

The drive from Charlotte to Atlanta wasn't too bad, about 3.5 hours. I was sufficiently full after a huge breakfast with Cindy and was on the road by 10am.

By 4, I was in Atlanta and on my way to the Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the world. As soon as I walked into the darkness, I was greeted by a bright wall of fish.



"Oh my God."

I stopped in my path and was just amazed. But I hadn't seen anything yet.

In the Ocean Voyager exhibit there is a 2 story wall of glass where you can peer into the deepest depths. Huge grouper, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and whale sharks glide by, sometimes taking an interest in us strange creatures on the other side of the glass.

There is also a viewing tunnel where you can stand mesmerized underneath such wonders.

From there I went over to the Coldwater Quest exhibit to see the lovely beluga whales. They were so silly, swimming upside down against the glass to watch the kids standing open-mouthed in amazement.

I was a kid myself as I sat in the darkness. I felt so small -- in size especially when compared with those whale sharks. But also when I think about my place in this world. The ocean holds so many secrets and those creatures just go about their lives paying no attention to the lines of people waiting for the new iPhone 3Gs (which is awesome, by the way), or the lines of people signing up for unemployment (which is not that awesome).

So if you are in Atlanta, GO TO THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM! The facility is really beautiful and I'm sure you will find yourself speechless. And on Friday nights this summer the aquarium stays open until 10pm to host Jazz Journeys, where you can enjoy a drink and a meal and listen to wonderful music within sight of all the fish.