hotlanta

We took full advantage of the last weekend of summer vacation by squeezing in a little overnighter to Hotlanta.  One of Jody's suppliers gave him a hotel room and some tickets to a Braves game...so off we went.

We checked into the Westin Downtown, grabbed a quick lunch at Jalapeno Charlie's and then took the glass elevator to the top of the hotel...



...where we enjoyed a drink and some amazing views of Atlanta.  The kids thought it was super cool to rotate around the top of the hotel...



We headed to Turner Field a few hours before the game...



There is so much to do...you need to get there way before the game to enjoy it all!  Banks got to bat and pitch...



...Mary Reese got a cheerleader tat...



...and Owen ran into an old friend...



We shopped for some souvenirs and made our way to our seats in right field.  Banks and Mary Reese quickly got in position to snag a few autographs...



It was HOT until the sun went behind the stadium.  At one point I looked over and saw this...



She rebounded after a frozen lemonde.

Our seats were perfect.  We were surrounded by lots of fun people.  Erin & Andrew Villarreal even spotted us from their seats a few rows up...such a small world!

We cheered on the Braves best we could...



...but the Cubs came out on top.

A few more shots after the game...



...a rare one of the entire family...



I didn't realize how much Mary Reese was into her flower sporting a Braves hat until I looked at these pictures.  Hysterical.

We got up the next morning and decided to hit the aquarium.  I have been dying to take the kids.  How could we stay 2 blocks away from the World's Largest Aquarium and not go?  So off we went...



The whole family had a blast exploring the aquarium...



We saw sharks...



...crazy divers in the shark tank...



...penguins...



...and albino alligator...



...belugas...



Who I couuld have personally watched all day long.

We ended our visit playing in the kids area...



Owen, are you ready to leave?



He decided he might be on board when we mentioned the word lunch.

We introduced ourselves and our children to...



...one of Atlanta's finest eateries.  The Varsity.

We had a smorgasbord...



...chili cheese dogs, cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings.  This place has it down pat.  They can sling our some food.

I dare say that my kids thoroughly enjoyed their Varsity experience...



...and sporting their Varsity hats...



I meant to get a fried pie but some how missed out.  I guess that gives me an excuse to go back.

We had a fabulous time making memories...





Can't wait to explore more of the city on our next visit!