florida vacation: day one-sea world

Boy, it's tough to take a toddler and infant across the country with a car seat, strollers, and luggage in tow. Not to mention getting through security and entertaining a 6 month old for the entire five hour flight to Florida. We made it with only one Lily melt down, our sanity still intact, and lots of those frightened looks people give when they see a baby getting on their airplane with them. Little did they know we have the best babies ever.

We met up with the grandparents (who were the disneyworld dreambuilders who made this whole trip happen) and the Bodines for a week of fun.

Our first day was spent in sea world and what better way to enter the park then by meeting Shamu.

You think she is a little nervous to be standing next to a killer whale?

We rode the kiddie rides and Halle taught Jake the joy of putting your hands up on rides. He was laughing hysterically about it.

After lunch there was more rides for the tots and miss Lily even got in on the action.

I really can't get enough of those baby cheeks. Both of my babies have the most delicious cheekies.

As we waited for the killer whale show to start it began to pour rain. And I am not talking about regular old rain. I mean we got dumped on. I had never seen rain like this that just didn't end. We were completely soaked, except Lily who was safe in her covered stroller sound asleep.We eventually made it to the covered stadium to watch the show totally drenched.

Halle was absolutely mesmerized by the things the killer whales could do. She has always loved whales, but to see them come alive for her was magical to watch. I still can't believe those animals can do all those things.

It was my favorite part of the day.

We discovered Lily's favorite thing about the parks early on: the water fountains. She could not take her eyes off them whenever we were close by any water feature.

The rain stopped and we did more rides and saw the dolphin show.

Walking under the shark tank was a definite highlight. I think Halle walked through it about four times. I had to throw in this picture because it is a perfect snapshot of Halle lecturing Jake on proper park etiquette. She thinks she is the boss, and I must admit he does listen to her.

By the time we headed out Halle was completely exhausted, but totally in love with sea world.