Annual Free Trip to Sea World

Military and 3 dependents get into Sea World free once a year. We sure have enjoyed taking advantage of this deal since James was just a couple months old.


Minutes into arriving at the park, James crouched down to visit the dolphins, and would have stayed here all day.

Truly Magical.

Lizzy, however, was ready to find the next adventure.

Joseph was just happy to be held. All day.

I brought ponchos for the kids, so we could be nice and close. I knew James would get a kick out of it.

But oops- Shamu doesn't actually splash the entire splash zone. I was in a LITTLE trouble when the show ended and we hadn't seen a drop of water. Luckily James was able to more than make up for his disappointment by running through some sprinkler toys.

Watching these mammoth animals maneuver in and out of the water at the command of a hand motion was incredible and somehow inspiring.

Watching our kids watch these animals was even more thrilling. I am sure James expects to be one of these men in 20 years.

James was so excited to feed fish to the dolphins!

And despite James' extreme caution, a sneaky bird swooped down and caught one of the dolphin's snacks just before he could get to it!

Anna and Lizzy were delighted to find a prize to spend their Grandma money on.

Did I say "delighted"?

I meant overjoyed with incredible amounts of excitement running through their veins. (Mom and Dad just don't give in to such special treats!)

I got to do Tea Cups with the kids, so it was only fair that Jim ride Abby's jellyfish.

Anna started out being the most excited about riding Elmo's flying fish. When we got to the front and were told only 2 were allowed per "fish", and the kids couldn't ride together, I lifted Anna over the fence to wait with her dad and sleeping baby brother to ride the next turn. She protested.

Finally it was Anna's turn. As she looked to wave to the camera, Anna noticed Jim holding her new bracelet.

I made an awesome catch as Jim tossed it to us just in time to fly with Elmo's fish. Wind blowing in our hair, we were happy once again.

Somehow I got stuck on the twisty-spinning-Oscar's garbage (or something) ride.
But Jim got to climb up the jungle gym with Anna. We're even.

Watching the pet show and picking up star fish were other un-documented highlights.