the real shamu

Addison and I found a Shamu stuffed animal at a garage sale right after we decided to go to Sea World. It was perfect. I could use it to get her excited for the trip AND I saved $20 because I didn't have to buy it at the park. We drove down to Orlando Saturday morning and after fighting with Addison to take a nap (and she wouldn't) we decided to head over for a couple of hours.

The first thing we saw were the sting rays. She had a little trouble actually touching them, but enjoyed putting her hands in the water. I caught this right as one came to the surface and I think Michael scared her a little. She was giggling the whole time.
Over to the dolphin show and then Shamu. Here's Addison waiting for Shamu. Even though the rows were clearly marked with "soak zone" we sat in them anyway. We were towards the back of the zone so we thought we would remain dry. We were wrong. The baby blanket saved Morgan and I from a major soaking. And the bigger guy in front of us with the beach towel helped Addison and Michael. We left right after so it really wasn't that bad.
The next morning Shannon and her mom met us at the hotel for the free breakfast. Good stuff. We headed over to the park and the weather was perfect. A couple pics from the day.

Shannon was in town for a wedding which is what prompted the whole trip. This is Shannon entertaining Addison while I fed Morgan and while Michael went to the car for the extra camera battery (since it died right when we went in the shark exhibit). You can see me on the bench in the background. A huge thanks to Shannon and her mom for the help that day. Because of them we were able to get away for a few minutes and ride the roller coasters. I'm definitely not as young as I used to be. The new Manta coaster kicked my butt and I still have pain in my neck.
Then we took Addison to ride some of the kiddie coasters. The lines were longer for those than the adult rides. This was on the teacups. I think it affected my stomach more than hers.
This was the boat ride that went back and forth and spun in a big circle. I was so nervous for her thinking she would be scared. Boy was I wrong. She laughed and giggled the entire time. (Click on the picture to make it bigger.)
Our attempt at a family picture. I love how Addison is still sporting the cheesy smile and Morgan's hand is in her mouth. Some of their favorite things at the moment.My favorite part of the entire trip was Addison's reaction when we were in the shark exhibit. She had the sweetest, most awe struck voice, looked up at me and said, "it's beautiful". I've never heard her use the word beautiful before. I think I had a tear in my eye. I love those little girls so much and it brings me such joy to watch them grow and learn new things.