Aomori is about two hours north of us. We've only been up there a few times, mostly for the aquarium. We love the aquarium! So of course we took Mom & Dad up there too! Heron enjoyed being wheeled around and watching the fish and clapped at the dolphin show. Rhino was wild and kept telling us to "hey, look!" and would get really excited.

I was hoping that he would like the hands-on tank where you can pick up little crabs, starfish, and sea urchins. He held a starfish on his palm for about half a second and squealed "oww!" and threw the poor thing! He didn't want to have anything to do with the tank and just wanted to draw on the giant dry-erase board. We watched the feedings for the otters, seals, and dolphins. Heron really loved the dolphins!! Unfortunately, Matt's favorite attractions seemed to be removed. He loved the tiny fish that eat the dead skin off your fingers when you dip them in the tank (you're supposed to!) He also really liked the bat fish but we couldn't find it.

Recently a Tony Roma's rib restaurant opened up in Aomori. There isn't really any "American food" out our way except for the occasional fast food joint (I am so sick of fast food!!) I do miss eating in a familiar restaurant. Even though I got my steak at TGI Friday's in Tokyo, stopping by the Tony Roma's was a must. Plus, Matt's parents have never had ribs! Never!! So we had to experience that.

On this day..

• Baby Bouquet - 2009