Shirley Hjorten Richards of Portland grew up in Astoria, and as a child, always thought it was a special occasion to go to the Seaside Aquarium. So it’s no surprise that she went to the aquarium’s 70th anniversary May 25 with her husband and two adult granddaughters.

What was a surprise is that one of her granddaughters, Kimberly Kemple-Richards, was one of five winners of a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. She asked if she could bring anyone with her, and told them she “had to bring Grandma!”

On June 1, Kimberly, her boyfriend Shane Bell, and Shirley took the tour, guided by aquarium manager, Keith Chandler. Shirley said, “Seeing the remains of 12 apartments upstairs was unbelievable. Having an octopus attach to your hands was scary but great – Kim was surprised I let it! A wonderful hands-on tour with the best tour guide around.”

The Ear would be fascinated, too, but would think twice about holding hands with the octopus.