Sea World

Steve and I brought the boys back to Sea World this past Sunday. They had an extra special fun filled day because Nana and Papa came with us this time. We all have season passes so it is great that we can go as often as we like.

This was our second trip back and decided to do things differently. Steve packed a portable potty in the event we heard, Mommy pee pee (or poop).  Much to my surprise J and Z held it for a full hour and we are impressed. We arrived at 10am, which we thought was when they opened but they were open at 9am this time, perhaps because it was near the 4th of July holiday. We always pay extra for close parking because even as early as we get there the parking lot is already beginning to get busy.

Our first stop of course was to say hi to the dolphins. It was really cute this time because the dolphins were playing football, tossing the ball up in the air. Since we were not able to see Shamu during our first visit, we made a bee line for the first showing of Shamu. We got the first row behind the "caution, going to get wet if you sit here" area so it worked out great for the boys. They absolutely had a blast watching the whales pop out of the water and then splashing the audience. It was so funny how soaked some people got.

We then started to make our way around the park. This time we made it in time to see the actual dolphin show and it was just as exciting. I am really impressed with the trainers and how hard they must work with the animals. We got there just as the show was beginning because we were visiting the sharks. Plus, we already had the boys sitting for a half hour waiting for Shamu, and they did great with that but did not want to push our luck. Plus as you know they have been potty trained for about two months now and wanted to ensure they went to the bathroom before sitting for another half hour. Yes, lots to check when toddlers make the switch out of diapers but hey we would not have it any other way, especially how great they are doing. In any event, the dolphin show was a hit and the boys did awesome watching all the different performances.

Last time the boys lasted from about 10 - 2:15 and were really tired. This time they lasted until about 4ish, and were able to stop and see some new exhibits. Nana wanted to see the Walrus and we were excited to see not only the Walrus swimming around but the Beluga Whales and the Polar Bear, that was ahem sleeping last time we paid a visit. There is an underground area to watch them all swimming below the surface of the water. The Polar Bear gave everyone a wonderful moment to remember. He turned around, butt facing the window, and decided to poop (icky) in front of his audience. Jack was shocked because we do not go to the bathroom in the water. :) Zach was nervous he was going to step in it. HA. The boys have since named the Polar Bear, Poopie Bear. :)

After we circled the park, we said our good-byes to Nana and Papa and started to make our way home. I thought for sure they would both pass out in a matter of minutes, but nope. Let me paint a more colorful picture of our trip home. We all go to the bathroom before we leave. 5 minutes on the road, Jack tells us he has to go poop. Hmm, Steve and I look at each other and grin while mumbling here we go. So, I tell Jack he has to hold it until we can pull over. We do and get the portable potty set up, and he does his business. Wonderful. Of course it is monkey see monkey do. Zach now all of a sudden has to go; Mommy, pee pee and poop. We wait and wait and wait...clearly he was just saying it so he could see what it was like to use the portable potty. Super. We get things cleaned up and situated. Zach 10 minutes further into our drive says, Mommy pee pee. Alrighty then. It is now 4:30 and Steve and I are a bit tired...hey it gets exhausting walking all day in the sun. :) We find a somewhat decent area, get the portable potty set up and here we go...again. Monkey See Monkey Do in full effect. :) Eventually we are back on the highway, and from there we are in good shape. I am most impressed with the boys for doing such a great job. As we know it, 5 minutes from our house they fall asleep in the car. We were nervous if they would pee because generally our bodies tend to be more relaxed when sleeping but they were great, nothing happened, even after we let them stay sleeping for a little longer in the car.

It was a great end to the weekend and we always look forward to visiting the amusement parks CA has to offer! We are looking forward to visiting with family Friday night. Steve's Aunt Sharon Bosworth and her granddaughter, Lauren, are staying with Steve's parents for a week. They arrived into town on Tuesday and have kicked off their trip to Hollywood followed by a day at Disney! I cannot wait to hear all about their fun filled trip thus far!

I captured some Kodak moments but most importantly a lot videos since it was easier to capture Shamu and the dolphins jumping out of the water at random times!

Shamu getting ready

Daddy and his boys watching the dolphins

Nana and the boys

Zachary and Daddy

Zach and Jack

Zach and Mommy

Jackson

Daddy and Zach

Jack and Nana (hiding :))

Time for the dolphins

Trapeze/acrobatic performance

Poopie Bear

Nana showing Zachary how large the polar bear feet are...

One of my favorite stops along the way...sea lions

Flamingos!

Watching the mini horse

They finally get to pet the mini horse, Lucky!

I am looking forward to our next "adventure"! :)

Love,

Julie