Sea World Day 1

The first two days at Sea World, we had Aunt Lacy and Uncle Ben with us before they had to leave.  It was so much fun to have almost everyone, but Uncle David was missed.  The kids loved Sea World -- even after two straight days of it, Annie almost cried when we told her we were taking a day off and going to the beach on Wednesday.  Since coming home, they've sung all the songs.  Taught Isaac and Owen how to do sea lion tricks, and have played countless hours of 'dolphin trainer' and 'marine biologist'.  And they somehow absorbed all the lines from all the songs from all the shows that Sea World has in the three days we were there, 'cause they're on repeat at our house from sun up to sun down by two very enthusiastic little girls.

We had five kids under seven, but we also had nine adults, so it worked out well.  One person was pretty much assigned to Owen-patrol at all times, since he has reached an age where he doesn't want you holding his hand, or holding him, or telling him where he should go . . . he wants to take off walking in random directions, away from everyone else, and explore on his own.  So someone pretty much just followed Owen at a 5-15 foot distance and let him go, and there was far less toddler fits than when we dared pick him up and try to take us places with us.  Fortunately during shows if you kept feeding him raisins and pouches, and there was enough clapping (something he enjoys doing immensely) he would sit well through most shows. 

This is typically what Owen looked like . . . a quick, mischievous glance over the shoulder to make sure someone was still following, then taking off again.

Looking a little miffed, 'cause Mom dared pick him up through the moving sidewalks part of the shark aquarium.

Owen did really well with everyone there, and really warmed up to people other than Mom.  Which is kinda new for him.

LOVED clapping.

The kids really enjoyed the tide pools and getting to hold the starfish as well . . .