There is nothing more valuable than cherishing moments spent with loved ones and Christ. These moments become treasured memories that last a lifetime. The true essence of life lies in exploring new horizons and pushing beyond our limitations. One of my favorite phrases is that money is fleeting and can never provide lasting happiness. Whether one has an abundance of wealth or barely enough to get by, what truly matters is how we make use of the resources that God has entrusted to us.

After moving to Asheville, my husband and I have been very busy with many different things demanding our attention along with daily struggles such as sickness and acclimating to the new environment. The weather here almost reminds me of my hometown in Florida, completely unpredictable regardless of what the weather app on my iPhone says. Making plans could be tedious but it is worth it just going with the flow. If I were to base my life on the weather, nothing would get done.

My lovely sister and I hung out on on a beautiful Friday afternoon and went to a very cool aquarium in Hendersonville, NC called Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO. Some fun facts about this specific aquarium are that it is the very first inland aquarium in NC, it houses the one and only interactive science intern program for college and high school students in WNC, and is one of the top 150 aquariums in the U.S. While we visited, multiple middle/high schoolers were super knowledgable about the animals. They looked so happy and delighted to be able to be there handling different species and answering questions.

Here are a couple photos:

Accompanying the majestic marine creatures in the area was a heavily pregnant stingray. Her belly was plump and round, and she radiated a sense of vitality and energy. Unfortunately, I did not get a good photo to share. As the feeding commenced, she became visibly ecstatic and began to dance and rub herself in the warm sand, her movements almost choreographed in their fluidity and grace. It was a breathtaking spectacle to behold. As for the city of Hendersonville, it is renowned for its succulent apples. I would highly recommend indulging in these delectable fruits, as they possess a unique combination of sweetness and crispiness that is unparalleled.

After a fascinating visit to the aquarium, we decided to make our way to the Mineral and Lapidary Museum located just opposite. The museum’s entrance was completely free, so we eagerly made our way in. As we explored the exhibits, we were amazed by the natural beauty on display, from sparkling crystals to intricate mineral formations. The staff members were on hand to guide us through the displays, providing us with insightful knowledge and answering any questions we had. One of the highlights of the museum was the Unsevered Geodes, which were available for purchase. We couldn’t resist buying one and were thrilled to watch the staff members crack it open right in front of us. As we gazed in wonder at the stunning minerals inside, we were struck by the sheer randomness of it all, making the experience all the more exciting. Overall, the Mineral and Lapidary Museum was a truly unforgettable experience, and we left feeling enriched by the natural beauty we had witnessed.

Here are a few pictures:

I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to read this post. I sincerely hope that you are having a fantastic weekend filled with rest, relaxation, and fun activities. As you look forward to the week ahead, may it be filled with success and achievements. I would be thrilled to hear back from you and learn more about your experiences over the weekend. Are you an animal lover, fascinated by the diversity of creatures that inhabit our world? Or perhaps you have an interest in Geology, the study of the Earth and its geological processes? Either way, please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and feelings with me by leaving a comment below.

~Vick~