Local Vacation

This weekend we stole away for a local vacation...

We went to Virginia Beach, got a room at the Westin and enjoyed two days of Virginia Beach attractions. We now know where the best crab cakes in Tidewater are to be found :o)

This Cardinal in the aviary at the Virginia Aquarium

seemed quite intrigued with my camera as I took multiple photos of him.

A Komodo dragon yawning

Did you know...

Although the Komodo dragon doesn't breath fire, it's mouth contains death. The saliva of the dragon contains at least 4 types of toxic bacteria. The dragon's tooth serrations harbor bits of meat from the dragon's last meal. Komodo dragons also frequently bite through their own gums as they eat. The saliva and blood combination and the protein-rich residue in the teeth provide an ideal culture for the bacteria. These make the dragon's breath quite foul! A Komodo's bite causes profuse bleeding and are slow to heal. Although a dragon is not always successful in immediately bringing down a large animal, the bitten animal usually dies soon after, usually within a week. Infected by the bacteria, its wounds become infected and turn septic (septicemia). The Komodo dragon tracks the weakened animal, harassing it until the animal finally dies.

However, if a Komodo is bitten by another Komodo, it doesn't suffer any ill effects. The anti-coagulating properties of the Komodo's saliva, and natural immunity to each other's saliva is being investigated for human medical applications.

Thaddeus entering an underwater world

Thaddeus quickly loving life as a nearly 3 year old...if there is a platform,

then of course it is for jumping off of.

Notice the Sting Ray to the left

Truly a beautiful aquarium

We caught the tail end of the divers show, but Thaddeus stayed extra and got some

one on one time with the diver.

The diver came up to Thaddeus later in the day,

as she was quite smitten with him.

Jelly fish tank with black lights

The typical reaction I now get when I ask the boys to look at the camera

Playing in the burned out log "canoe" in the state park

Another cold, but sunny day at the beach

Thaddeus