In March, we went to Sea World during Spring Break. Madison, Mark, Emmalene, Grandma and myself. We got a late start that morning, but made it there shortly after lunch. The kids were a little disappointed at first, but quickly realized that the crowds were thinned out and the weather was cooler. We ended up staying until closing.
Our first show was the sea lion show where the kids got a kick out of watching the trainers and animals. (The photos are a bit out of order due to the number that I uploaded.) We visited a few exhibits and Madison and Mark enjoyed a few rides. Around 7 PM the park seemed empty. It was great! Emmalene was able to spend more time out of her stroller and we could just walk with her without worrying about all the people. Mark and Madison were also able to get on rides with very little waiting.
Emmalene was having fun watching the kids behind us.
We headed over to the sting ray exhibit. This was really neat! The rays would swim right up to your hand in the water and allow you to touch their backs. Madison and Mark wouldn't put their hands in the water. So, Grandma and I were the brave ones!
This is a photo of the small exhibit that had baby sting rays in it. They were a little bigger than our hands.
Madison & Mark waiting for the show to start.
Mark & Madison at the sting ray exhibit. Mark was taking photos with his camera to share with his dad when he got home.
This was taken outside the shark exhibit. Inside, you get to walk through a tunnel with sharks swimming above and around you. The kids were in awe of this! The outside tank was full of sharks as well.
Emmalene enjoying a little time out of her stroller.
At the sting ray exhibit.
The sea lion show.
Mark & Madison
Emmalene wanted in on the action!
Mark & Madison in the penguin encounter. It felt WONDERFUL in there!
Before entering the park, we made the kids a deal. We told them they could choose one souvenir from the park this time and not again in the future since we bought year passes. Meaning, you get a prize now, not each time we come. They were okay with that and quickly found their treasures.
Madison chose a white sea lion and Mark got a stuffed animal as well (at this moment I can't remember what it was though). Emmalene grabbed a stuffed turtle off the shelf as I was wheeling her around the store in her stroller. It was just her size, so we went with it.
Next, we headed to the gate. We made it past the restrooms for one final stop and were out the final gate when I realized that Emmalene had "thrown/dropped/who knows" her stuffed turtle. So, the hunt began. I left the kids with Grandma at the gate and started back-tracking to find the little green creature. I never found it! Someone obviously saw him on the ground and scooped him up. I headed over to Lost and Found to see if some gracious soul may have turned him in. Nope. The coolest thing happened next! The representative said that no one deserves bad luck like that on their first trip to Sea World, so she sent another employee back to the same gift shop to get Emmalene another treasure to take home with NO COST to us! Wow, that is favor! God places people in our path at just the right moments. Another reason why we shouldn't take anything for granted.
Our Sea World trip ended well and we headed home. Emmalene wasn't as excited about being buckled in her seat, but we made it. Mark & Madison were exhausted and probably would have slept, but Emmalene kept that from having. After arriving home, we reviewed our day with daddy and headed off to bed with another memory to store in our hearts and post on our blog!
Mark & Madison
Emmalene wanted in on the action!
Madison asked for money and she received it to take on her shopping spree.
Madison chose this Oreo cookie ice cream cake.
When we sang "Happy Birthday" to Madison, Emmalene covered her face. 
A silly shot for memories!
A summer dress from mom and dad.
More money!
Jordan being silly.
Jordan got Madison a Limited Edition Pillow Pet. 
A hug to say thank you.
Madison loves this movie. It's a DVD of RV.
A pretty bracelet from Emmalene.
PIZZA Time!
Sweet faces, sweet friends!
Dinner, dessert and time with family and a close friend. 
The above pictures were taken before church. The following were taken after church. Meaning NO nap!
So pitiful!
Tears still don't wipe away the cute factor!
This was taken while playing outside one evening last week. 
