National Mississippi River Museum

Today the kids and I took a "field trip" to the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque. It's actually a Smithsonian affiliate and pretty impressive for our area. I was a little disappointed they didn't offer a military discount. At the same time, if I was staying in the area longer I think I would go ahead and get the year pass. Malia had a blast checking out fish, otters, frogs, snakes, lizards, ducks, alligators, and craw fish. She still, however, wants to see animals but will just have to wait until we get to Phoenix.

The kids checking out the frogs...

Abram and the BIG fish. Malia was acting terrified of them but Abram just thought they were funny...

Malia actually took this picture... An aspiring photographer...

At the learning center they can "pet" the craw fish... Malia wasn't so sure...Abram touched the craw fish before Malia would even think about it!

After sometime she gave in. Later when we were telling grandpa about the day I said that she "pet" the craw fish. She countered, "No I didn't. I just touch it with one finger. Just one finger!" Glad we got that clarified!

Abram and his cheesy grin...

Malia checking out the microscopes in the learning center...

At the end we got to watch the Rhinoceros Lizard get fed. The kids thought that was pretty cool...

It was a great day. I wish we would have gone sooner. You think I'd learn with moving around as much as we do. It's always a good idea to find a museum or zoo in the area that you know you can enjoy repeatedly and go ahead and get the season pass. With kids, especially mine, and their desire to be out and about, it's great to have something you can do any time and is well worth your money. Any suggestions for the Phoenix area my friends?