Back from Vacation

We just returned from a fun filled family vacation to San Antonio and Sea World. I hesitate to use the word "family" because we were minus Chase but we felt he would have a better time staying here with his Grandmama and I believe we were right.

When Grandmama arrived Seth didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay with Chase and Grandmama but we bribed him and told him we would find a Wal Mart on the way and see if they had an "Emily", "Duck" or "Spencer" from Thomas and Friends. These were ones we had looked for all over North Texas and South East Oklahoma without any success.

We had barely made it to Waco when Seth started wanting to stop at a WalMart so we began looking. While WalMarts are everywhere they are a little hard to spot doing 70 mph down the highway but we finally found one in Austin. They had Emily, Duck and Spencer so the trip was off to a raving success and Seth wouldn't have cared if we turned backed and went home but we continued on.

Upon arrival to the Marriott Riverwalk, we decided to hit the Riverwalk. Seth immediately spotted the boats and wanted to ride one. So, we stood in line for over an hour to take a tour of the Riverwalk via a boat with all the expectation that as soon as Seth got in the boat, he would want to get out. He has a history of this but he didn't. He loved the 20 minute boat ride and couldn't stop talking about it.

The next morning our journey to Sea World began. We couldn't have picked better weather with it being a little overcast and in the 70s (I'm not sure how people do it during July though). Our first stop was the dolphins and Seth loved them but he quickly wanted to go see the horses. Since Sea World is owned by Anheuser Busch, they have a team of Clydesdales there. But, as soon as Seth got close to them he started screaming he wanted to leave. (I mentioned he had a history of this didn't I?)

Next stop, Sea Lions. Seth loved the sea lions and even fed them fish which surprised me. We wanted to see the Sea Lion show but had a little time to kill so we went to an area where there were some kiddie rides and Seth rode the Shamu Express, a rollercoaster. He barely slid in over the 38 inch height requirement and I was sure he would change his mind (remember he has a history) but he didn't and he loved it.

Now, back to the Sea Lion show with anticipation knowing Seth is going to love it. We are about 30 minutes early, find our seats and settle in. After about 5 minutes Seth starts screaming, crying and saying he wants to leave (again with the history thing). But, we make him wait it out and once the show started I don't think he blinked. When it was over he said something to the affect "That was fun".

Grab a little lunch and then off to see the penguins. Seth had been asking about the penguins all morning so we were sure this would be a hit. We walked into the exhibit and he started wanting to leave (more history). But, we went in and waited and then he went through the exhibit twice. I have to admit, it was pretty cool seeing 4 different species of Penguins.

Now, it was time for what we had all been waiting for, Shamu. But we had a little time to kill so we made the decision I would go and get our seats and Shelley and Seth would roam around the park until it was just about time for the show to start. But, while I was waiting the whales came in so I called Shelley and told her the whales were already there and to bring Seth because I was sure he would just love it. But just moments before Shelley and Seth arrived, the whales left so we had 20 minutes to kill before the show and we did that with tears, screams and constant request to leave. Shelley finally told Seth to cover his eyes and pretend he was somewhere else, and he did and it worked.

Once the whales came out Seth was motionless and he is still talking about Shamu.

We intended to leave at this point but decided to make an attempt at riding the log ride. The wait was only about 30 minutes so Seth and I got in line and he was really excited. We finally got in our log and things were going very well until we went down the first drop and then Seth came unglued. He started yelling for his mommy and trying to climb out the log, all the while we are 6 stories above the ground. We finally came down the final drop and he was still yelling for Shelley but when we got off and he saw his mom, all he had to say was "I got wet and that was fun".

This ended our day and we went back to the hotel for well deserved rest.

The next morning started with a trip to the Alamo. This was mostly for my purpose because Seth had no interest except for the Davy Crocket action figure we bought him in the gift shop. Then we were off to Sea World for a little more fun. First stop again was the dolphins because those were my favorites.

Seth then started asking to go see the horses so I figured, why not, he's probably ready now. Well, I was wrong. We got up to the barn and again he started screaming to leave so we did.

We then went to the shark exhibit which we hadn't see yet but again Seth didn't want to go in. We finally talked him into going in but that only lasted a few minutes and he started wanting to leave. From what I saw of the sharks, it looked pretty cool.

Seth then wanted to go back to the penguins so we figured that is how we would end our trip to Sea World. Seth loved the penguins and even got to touch a penguin egg this second time around.

Overall, Seth really enjoyed the trip. He is still talking about the boat ride, Shamu and riding a roller coaster. I think he also learned a little bit about dealing with some fear which is a big lesson for a 3 year old.