A day in Mystic {Part 3}..and some big news

We started off our third day in Connecticut by heading over to Mystic.  Yes, the same Mystic as in Mystic Pizza, the movie starring Julia Roberts (though most of the movie was not filmed there.)  Anyway, we first hit the aquarium.  This is what I saw as I stepped out of the car in the parking lot.

We were all looking forward to seeing the Beluga whales, as we had never seen them before.  Then we enjoyed the sea lion show.  I don't think any of us will ever mistake a sea lion for a seal and vice versa after that show. lol  After a bite to eat, we made our way to the sting rays.  The tank was a little deep. So it made touching the rays a little hard.

Thankfully, there was a step up for the little ones.

And, of course, the day wouldn't be complete if Madeline passed a hand sanitizing station by without helping herself.

We also got to see some sharks, sea horses, eels, lots of crustaceans, tons of jelly fish, and the list goes on.  We had such a fun, educational morning.  Gotta love those kinds of hands on learning field trips as a homeschooler.

After the aquarium, we headed over to the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can catch a glimpse of what New England life was like in the 19th century.

We stopped by the Visitor Center before heading over to the Sabino for a steamboat ride down the Mystic River.

Lots of other boats are also docked there.

One of the best parts of the boat cruise was getting to check out the engine.  Those are some pretty hot coals you see.

After our boat cruise, we strolled around the Village Green and Seafaring Village.

The kids enjoyed playing in the fall leaves.

And we enjoyed watching them have so much fun.

Well, as I promised, I do have big news to share.  As much as I'd love to share that we have accepted a referral for our precious daughter, that is not the big news....though one day soon, I'm sure.  Sorry to disappoint those of you who were hoping for that.  Believe me, we are itching to know just who she is!

The big news is that, last week, on our 10th wedding anniversary, we made an offer on a house.  Earlier this week, the seller countered and we accepted!  Yesterday, we had the home inspection.  And while the seller knew that there were a few things that needed to be repaired, the repairs are going to cost more than he anticipated, we're sure.  So...we're hoping he's willing to make them because we really like this house.  It's just a few miles up the road (and actually quite close to friends of ours.)

I could really write a whole separate post about what the Lord has taught me about house hunting, but suffice it to say that this house meets all our needs.  And while it wasn't a "need" "but more of a "want", I was really hoping for a house with more natural light.  And this house has it!  Now, it's not as bright at the hotel we stayed at in Miami, but I couldn't believe how low I could set my ISO and take photos indoors .("Hello low ISO indoors.  Nice to meet you. Stay as long as you like.")

So the bottom line is that we are really hoping the seller will make all the repairs.  There are four biggies.  The inspector didn't even talk about the small ones.  If all goes well and we move forward, we could be moving as soon as the middle of November.  Patrick jokingly wrote in my anniversary card, "If someone asks you what your husband got you for your 10th wedding anniversary, you can tell them a house!"  I sure hope that's true. lol

And on a completely different note, the kids and I will be walking with the rest of Team Gina at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this weekend.  These last few weeks have been so tough for me, I'm not gonna lie.  I miss Gina.  And walking without her just plain stinks.  But that's a whole 'nother post. Sigh.

That's enough rambling for now. Be sure to stop by Lisa's blog for some fabulous photos.  And be sure to wish her an early Happy Birthday!