seaworld

we decided to tackle seaworld in two separate visits. the park is so big! many, many animals to see, several shows to catch and lots of goodies to sample.

within minutes of arriving, we found the dolphins

...but did they get soaked! good thing for extra clothes

keeping a safe distance now

shamu show, incredible set

representing ak

the two-hand shovel
full mouth?

it's a shame he's so camera-shy
beautiful belugas

big walrus

(jack stepped back and fell off right after this,

wasn't expecting him to get so close!)
going into see my favorite... the manatees!
saying "ahhh"

jack needed some run-around time...

the only ride i could go on :)
connie + jeff!

love them all to pieces!!!

san diego

our trip down south was... well... interesting. traveling with a toddler? hmmm. :) ben and i agreed that each trip will get easier. jackie has always been a creature of habit; loves his naps, has only ever slept in his crib (or a crib, for that matter). but when you vacation, the time changes alone are enough to throw a grown up out of whack. ben and i enjoyed ourselves, and i would like to think jack did too, but i know he's sooo happy to be home - back to his comforts.

we stayed in the pacific beach, mission bay/beach area. very fun, lively area, within minutes of anything really. we found playgrounds nearby with beautiful green areas to run. the beaches were pretty beat up due to the crazy weather the coast has been dealing with. we visited seaworld twice, the san diego zoo twice and spent one day out in escondido at the wild animal park, an extension of the zoo. we also drove down to san ysidro where there were outlet malls galore. this was the last exit before mexico; quite fun to see the border. the weather in san diego could have been a little warmer (for my liking) but as ben reminded me "it's not 60 degrees in ak." true, my wise husband, true.

sunset, playground and beach pics...

catching our first sunset

oh, that face!

taking notes on the surfers

playground fun!

runs everywhere

hates the gritty sand

swingers

climbing up is not so easy

if you could have heard my commentary...

"ben, hold onto him!" "ben, do you have him?!" "oh, that is not a good idea..."

beautiful beach, right in front of playground

love this shot. all those palm trees, calm water, my adorable son...

our one day at the beach.

this is my current wallpaper on the 'puter. love it.

a little out of focus, but i love jackie's open-mouth smile

ben, looking like a stud

always needing the snack cup in hand