Snapshot Moments at the Waterfront

9/4/25 Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion

My grand-niece Kaila, who just turned three, was in town last week. As her birthday gift, I took her and her parents to the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, which I had been wanting to visit, too. Although the aging original aquarium is still there, the new pavilion is a shining star by comparison with much brighter, easier-to-see exhibits. A couple of days after Labor Day when Seattle Public Schools were back in session, the aquarium as well as the whole Waterfront Park and Overlook Walk were remarkably uncrowded! We had a delightful visit.

Touring with a three-year-old, I had no expectations of sketching that day, and yet an opportunity suddenly occurred: Kaila’s attention span lengthened by a few seconds as she became rapt by fish and several types of rays gliding by. I caught a few gestures of their graceful, serene movements.

At lunchtime, I had another such moment: Kaila herself, snacking on oyster crackers while we awaited our meals. They’re nothing more than snapshot sketches, but I’m always ready.