Trezise Family Vacation-Day 2

Sea World!!

I love Sea World. I haven't been since I was a kid, but I still remember how excited I was to see Shamu, and how much I loved watching the different shows. I couldn't wait to share that experience with our kids. A few weeks before we left, I showed the three oldest kiddos the Sea World website to pique their interest. They were mildly interested in the dolphins and sharks, but then Avery spotted a photo of an attraction that was new to me-the Sesame Street Bay of Play. She and Tristan were literally beside themselves with anticipation, and Elmo became a constant topic of conversation in our house from there on out. I guess Elmo trumps Shamu. What a shame. Sigh.
Anyway, on day two of our vacation, we loaded up and drove to San Diego. We arrived at exactly 10:05, five minutes after the park officially opens. I tried to get everyone to pose for a family shot just inside the entrance, but no one could sit still long enough. They were ready to explore! Will assumed the roll of designated driver/navigator and I was assigned to head up the rear of our entourage and collect any stragglers. I was also appointed the official bathroom locator/chaperon. Snacks, drinks, camera and maps in hand, we made it a whole 10 yards down the path before Avery announced she was "starving". The boys quickly agreed, and Will began passing out food. We followed that with a bathroom break. Finally, we were ready to see Sea World.


Yay for snacks!


Landon and Tristan trying their hand at navigating, using the over-sized map outside Shamu Stadium


Tristan was fascinated by the flora located throughout the park. He thought this plant looked like lettuce and asked me to take his picture in front of it.

It was decided that they best introduction to Sea World was the infamous Shamu himself (herself??), so we headed to Shamu Stadium. Will let me pick our seats, a decision I am sure he later regretted. I situated us smack dab in the middle of the arena, two rows from the front, in the soak zone. Don't worry, I was equipped with rain ponchos for all. Will and I quickly put ours on, but the kids would have none of it. Apparently rain ponchos are not cool. Who knew?



We had the best view in the house. We even made it on the jumbotron when they showed the trainer as he reiterated where the 'soak zone' areas were. (Maybe we should have listened.) The Shamu show was everything I remembered...and then some. I forgot just how much water comes out of that tank when Shamu splashes. I don't think any of our kids will ever forget though. Without ponchos on, they were soaked! Even with ponchos on, Will, Sawyer and I were pretty wet. It was so worth it though. Landon, Tristan and Avery were in awe of Shamu, and kept talking about how "huge" he was. I am sure they will remember Shamu for years to come.



The rest of our day was filled with shows and exhibits. The kids we so good! They were enthralled with each attraction and did their best to stay with us, and not run ahead. Sawyer was a champ about sitting in the stroller, and we hardly heard a peep out of him. We stayed until the park closed, and wore everyone out. Our hotel was about 2 miles away from Sea World, and all four kids were asleep before we even pulled into the parking lot.

Here are a few random shots from the rest of our day.




Stay tuned for Day 3.