San Diego - Sea World Part 2

Day 2 & 3:

Sea world, and the beach!!

On day 2 we spent most of the day at Sea World and then traveled to Carlsbad, CA to stay at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort (about a 25 min. drive). I think the highlight for Noah on this whole trip (besides the hilarious Sea Lion Show) was our "new homes". That's what he called our hotels. He would constantly ask "when are we going back to our new home?" 

If I had to do it all over again I don't think I'd do Sea World (as much fun as it was, there just wasn't enough down time) next time I would like to spend more time by the beach and pool just relaxing and hanging as a family. 

 Callie was hilarious in the water, she would jump in over and over and over. She kept saying "I want to swim by myself now." Crazy girl!

Attempt at a 3 person pyramid! Too funny!

Mason of course made lots of friends at the pool. I LOVE how social he is.

The hotel had a great pool area with beach entry (perfect for Callie), with an ocean view, and nice fire pits for lounging in the evening. We got to eat at the resort every day because of a daily $75 hotel  allowance to spend at the restaurant, bar, room service, spa, or the gift shop. One night we ate out on the patio and watched the sunset. Very fun! Although every time we ate anywhere Callie would loudly announce "it's taking so long!!!" This became her quote of the week. Whether we were waiting in line at sea world, waiting on food, in the car,  or getting ready to go anywhere. 

Monday we decided would be our "wet day" we planned on riding water rides, and sitting in the soak zone for the shows so we dressed accordingly. We got to Sea World early so Mason got to ride a few roller coasters over and over because the lines were so short. I think this was the highlight of his vacation. He must have rode the Manta Ray roller coaster like 12 times. I'll admit I'm a sucker for roller coasters too and that ride was a good one. 

We attended the dolphin show and sat front row! Poor Ron stayed off to the side with Callie because she was sleeping and woke up a little cranky. I personally didn't really enjoy the actual show they did a little too much "acrobatic" impersonations and not enough dolphin stuff. It was fun to get splashed by the dolphins but whoa!! Ice cold water hitting you over and over and over again. I think we got splashed like 7 times in a row!!! I thought it would never end. Callie thoroughly enjoyed the show from the side lines and kept asking Ron where the pink girl was. Too cute. 

BEFORE:

AFTER:

We went to Mission Beach right after our wet day at Sea World. BIG MISTAKE. We only lasted about 45 mins mostly because Callie was super tired and cranky. Mason had an absolute blast, I LOVED watching him. He is such a little dare devil with a zest for life! It's very fun to observe and I even captured some of it on camera. 

  

San Diego Family Vacation

Family vacation Day 1:

This past weekend we were able to visit San DIego, CA for 5 days. 

The car ride there was a little brutal. Callie is not very tolerant of long car rides and screamed the majority of 4 hours. Needless to say by the time we got to Sea World that first day we were all a little grouchy and worn out.  After it got dark we chose the Sea Lion Tonight show. The show consisted of an otter, a sea lion, and team members acting out and making fun of all the other sea world shows. We got there just as the Pre-show entertainment was starting. They had a guy "team member" lip syncing to different songs, including some female artists and costume changes. He was pretty dramatic and very funny. When we sat down I wasn't sure if our kids would even be interested  or how they would behave. As the guy on stage became more and more goofy with his performance Noah's laughter got increasingly louder, at one point he was full on hysterically laughing. Unfortunately, we didn't get any video footage of it, but managed to snap a few pictures. I have never heard Noah laugh so hard, he even caused a few heads to turn. During this hilarious scene Ron leaned over to me and said "this makes it all worth it"' (in reference our hellish drive that day). 

Per Mason's request we visited the shark tunnel FIRST!

  Shamu Show at night!

 

The kids passed out when we reached the hotel that night, we stayed in a local hotel close to Sea World.

Mason

I can't believe Mason is officially a 1st grader! Summer is in full swing with swimming and everything but I wanted to post his Kindergarten pictures. I can't believe how grown up he looks now!

1st day of Kindergarten:

Last Day of Kindergarten:

We are LOVING the pools this summer. The boys get to swim at least 2 times a day almost EVERY day of the week thanks to swim team-lessons, and our family pool pass. I'm so proud of Mason in swim team. It's really fun to see his coordination and athleticism clicking. Tonight was his 2nd swim meet, the backstroke. Both meets he has been in the first heat of 5-6 yr. old boys (which is the fastest heat). Tonight he finished 5th. Not too bad! He also competed in the relays for both meets. Go MASON! You have to be one of the top 8 swimmers on your swim team in order to compete in the relay (there is about 55 kids on his swim team). He did so good!

 

 This is soooo Mason: Crazy kiddo!

I can do hard things

The other day I wore my girls camp shirt out and about. (Because I'm the assistant camp director we got our shirts early before camp). I will admit it made me very conscious of my actions. For example I took my kids grocery shopping and I felt pressure to make sure I was extremely patient with them in the store so others wouldn't judge me as a mean Mormon mom. Although I have been extremely stressed about planning and preparing for girls camp I'm really excited it's approaching. I know everyone's life is really crazy and busy. Everyone I talk to lately has commented on how busy they are or how crazy they feel like life is. Part of me wants to scream "Not as busy as me!" But I know that's not true, everyone has a lot going on especially this time of year. The past few months I have been Staying up past midnight EVERY night working on girls camp documents, banners, t-shirt orders, meetings with other leaders. Camp meeting last multiple hours and have been very frequent.

POTTY TRAINING- On top of that I have also been potty training Callie (she is making excellent progress, but still has a hard time with #2. She is sleeping in her underwear and wears underwear practically 24/7).

MY JOB AND LICENSE- I'm still working 2-6 hour days a week, and as luck would have it I need to renew my Dental hygiene license this year on June 30 (I still need to take about 20 hours of continuing education classes. It's so not like me to procrastinate but I did!). My license needs to be renewed every 3 years in order for me to continue working.

WARD CALLING- I'm also still serving in Cub Scouts (which is a blast!) I guess when your husband is in the bishopric you don't really get a break from your ward calling. I love cub scouts and am happy to help, it'll just be much easier after camp!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!- My wonderful Father turned 60 this year and I helped put a 100+ page book together for him titled "60 things we love about YOU!" Unlike my CE classes , that was a really fun project. We also put together a surprise birthday party! Fun, fun, FUN!

SWIMMING!!!- Mason has started swim team (which I'm really excited about!) He seems to be trying really hard this year and LOVES it! Noah is taking some swim lessons through the city as well. I also purchased a pool pass (which means I can go to any pool in the city of mesa) and am really LOVING that! So far this week we have gone to the pool EVERY day. I love being in the pool watching my kiddos splash and play, but the BEST part of it all is bedtime! They are SO exhausted they go right to sleep no fuss!!! It's a beautiful thing! :)

 Thanks to my friend Teri I got a hold of a waterproof camera! I'm really enjoying that too!!! Thanks girl! I LOVE the camera!