Sea World

While in San Diego, my family enjoyed two days at Sea World, taking in all of the rides and every show we could fit in to our days.  My family hasn't been to Sea World in over 22 years, so this was almost like a brand new experience for us.  I must say, Disneyland sets the bar extremely high, and no other theme park on the planet has a prayer of reaching that standard. :)  That being said, we were able to put our "Disney-snob" perspectives aside and really enjoy the park for what it had to offer. We had a terrific time! I will only give you a sampling of pictures, as I took way too many to hold your interest!

Our first show.

Geoffrey, taking in the dolphins...

(You can tell our kids really loved it. ;)).  Actually, Maddie has her hood on because, although we were sitting near the very top of the stadium, she was protecting herself from getting splashed. :)

The girls loved, loved, loved the Sesame Street Bay of Play! It was an entire area devoted to kids, and Sesame Street characters.

Maddie especially loved Elmo's Flying Fish, similar to Dumbo at Disneyland.

Maddie and Ellie jumping in the gigantic bounce house!

Ahh, Shamu.  The entire reason for Killer Whales being my favorite animal.  I loved this show the most!

They are such magnificent creatures!

The girls, talking about Shamu, as he swims by.

Geoffrey loves Elmo, Ellie is smiling for the camera, Maddie is thinking, "This is not Mickey.", and Ben is saying, "Get me outta here!!!!"

We have entered the shark aquarium...it was very cool, while also creepy at the same time.

This is the closest you will ever find me "swimming with the sharks"...behind a giant, thick pane of tank glass.  We were actually walking in a tube, within the shark tank.  Nice.

You can see the tube we walked through to the right of this creepy, er, I mean, amazing creature.

Ferocious shark faces!  I say the one in back wins.

Me and my boy.

Fish faces with the fishies!

Taking it all in.

Getting ready for this spinning, crazy, kiddy ride... Maddie suddenly became nervous and reached over to hold Grandpa Pat's hand for security. :) 

She found her courage and her love for amusement park rides, and as soon as the ride started, she threw her hands up in the air, yelling for all of us to "put your hands up!!"

Beluga whales - so amazing!  After seeing them, I started humming "Baby Baluga", by Raffi. :)  (Sad, I know.)

We had such a great time at Sea World, making many wonderful memories!!