One of Riley's favorite places is the Dallas World Aquarium. He was my guide this weekend, and he showed me some beautiful things. We took the train downtown together, and started the day at Sonny's, a BBQ joint we've been to with some of you - known for its Maverick room (no sign of John McCain, but we'd gladly introduce him to the great onion rings and Sonny's sauce).

Modern day maverick-

Riley knew the best niches in and throughout the aquarium.

It is more than just fish. Here is a three toed sloth, who hangs above your head with a sign, "Do not touch the sloth".

I had never seen a manatee, before:

Manatee, in motion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71KAa-Outgs&feature=channel

The sea horse (sea dragons?) variants were beautiful:

Sea Dragon, in motion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TTcFzHk4hc

These fish live a vertical life:

Vertical Fish, in motion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID4Ior9zNy8

There was a huge tube that people walked through, surrounded by sharks and rays.
If you look closely here, you can see the people in the tube, underwater in this large pool.
Riley suggested we sit there until feeding time, when they did some beautiful swimming (the sharks and rays, not the people in the tube)

Very fun. Amazing how many ways life can thrive.