We didn’t do any of the Disney parks because they were so expensive that we didn’t think it was worth it with Keaton being so young. But Sea World has a program called “Here’s to the Heroes” where military members and up to five dependents get in free once a year. So Saturday afternoon, after Karl’s conference was finished, we went as a family (!weird!) to Sea World. Got there a little late, but we started off at the whale and dolphin show, which ended up being our favorite. Wish we hadn’t missed any of it. Stopped at the sea lions and seals on our way over to the Shamu show. That one was disappointing. They have toned down the show considerably since they had a female trainer drowned by an orca during a show a while back. This time there were no up close interactions between the orcas and the trainers, and no trainers got in the water with them. Made the show quite a bit shorter, too. Went over to Shamu’s Happy Harbor to do some kid-sized rides (including a nice little roller coaster), then off to see the Sea Lion and Otter show. The one show we missed, that I wish we’d seen, was A’Lure, which looked like a Cirque du Soliel-meets-dolphins-and-seals kind of show. Maybe next time. Checked out the sharks and then back to the Happy Harbor to let the big boys blow off steam. (Keaton fell asleep in the Sea Lion and Otter show and stayed that way until we got to the car.) The park was actually a lot bigger than we expected and there were lots of parts we missed, like the penguins, polar bears, and dolphin nursery. Oh well. I guess that saves some for next time.
Keaton spread eagled in Mommy’s bed. So much for the crib.
Whale and dolphin show
Sea lions and seals with some local wild birds who like to co-opt the seals’ habitat.
The Jumping Fiddler. Or something like that. It’s like the Froghopper at Hersheypark, only it’s a Fiddler crab.
Swishy Fishies. Like the Teacups. Finally one Keaton could ride.
Ocean Commotion. Sort of like the Pirate Ship, but it twirled, too.
Gorgeous and very patient boy.
Up close encounter with a parrot.
Sea Lion and Otter show. With a walrus thrown in for good measure.
Boys in the giant net structure at Shamu’s Happy Harbor.
SAHM to 3 boys, Army wife, moves frequently, blogs irregularly
