Sea World and More Pool Time

Our first park to visit was Sea World. I don't think the kids knew what to expect.

Jillian figuring out where we are going next.

Our first stop was the stingrays. The kids like to watch them...

But not touch them or feed them.

Making sure to keep the hands back.

Stingray waving hello.

The stingray splashed by as Jillian gives it a definite look of disgust.

Jillian was excited to see the dolphins. We didn't get there in time to feed them, but they still beautiful to watch.

Me trying to capture their jumps.

Then all of a sudden one came to our side and rolled over like a dog waiting for its belly to be pet. Jillian was too scared, but Drew was able to touch the dolphin.

I loved this part of the dolphin exhibit for a few reasons. Watching the dolphins swim underwater was amazing, the kids were mesmerized, I got some cool pictures, but most importantly it was the only spot in the part that was remotely cool. It was refreshing.

Jillian watching her choice of must sees - the dolphins. She made a great choice.

It was very crowded down there. The other people probably all liked it for the same reasons that we did.

One of my favorites.

My favorite are the Manatees. I think I like them because they are fat and lazy..... and relatable.

So the boys went to ride a big kid ride - Journey to Atlantis. Drew was just tall enough and of course Jillian was just a little to short. She was upset because little dare devil wanted to ride it too.

Nothing a little chocolate covered Shamu couldn't fix.

We waited at least forty-five minutes waiting to see the boys come down.

I swear I took a picture of every boat for the last 20 minutes of waiting just trying to catch their ride.

Andy had a bright orange shirt on, but it was still hard to see at the top of the ride, plus I didn't know what part of the boat they were in.

I think Drew is squinting trying from the sun while Andy is trying to get him to look at me.

My brave little boy loved this ride. He wanted to ride it again, but sis and I could not handle another wait.

This one cracks me up.

The next two pictures will explain the look on Drew's face.

His first look at a real shark.

And all their shark teeth.

Time for Shamu.

A much abbreviated show compared to 5 years ago, pre trainer maiming.

Still amazing creatures and still a little sad to me.

How in the world can they get all that body up in the air when I can barely get mine 2 inches of the ground when I jump. Like a said - amazing.

We didn't sit in the splash zone and when the soaking started Drew started crying because he wanted to get wet. Andy grabbed him and ran him down to the front just in time for the last splash.

Merry-go-rounding.

Horrible picture of me and my chins, but I just love Jillian and her posing.

Daddy and his little ones. So cute - holding their hands is the best.

A much needed cooling off.

Posing on the killer whales

For those of you that don't know, Sea World is a top optional park.

Proof positive that my husband is the best around. He switched shoes with me because I could barely walk in these shoes anymore, even with band-aids on.

The best and quite possibly the goofiest.

Sister was spent and this was her first passing out from exhaustion of many.

Me and a sleeping sis, while the boys check out the alligators (Drew's must see).

Not only was she passed out, she was hot and sweaty too. This made it extra difficult for me to carry her around and out to the car. I was about to pass out from exhaustion after that.