Carlsbad, Day 5

Today we went to Sea World. We knew there was going to be a pretty good chance of rain, but we didn't want to waste the day since the beach would for sure be out. So, we went to Sea World. David ran to Walmart last night and got us all raincoats. Best $20 we ever spent.

The first ride the kids wanted to go on was Manta. It's the new roller coaster. We walked right on the ride. That's the great thing about a bad weather day. Nobody goes to a park like this. We walked on every ride pretty much. In fact, the Manta was so empty, we didn't even have to exit the ride, we just rode it again. Well, everyone but me and Ben. Once was enough. We waited down below and pet the manta rays.


Noah rode the Elmo ride with David, and then, he rode it with me. I've waited 20-30 minutes for this ride before. It was great to walk right on. Noah loved the ride.


We saw the dolphin.


Noah was trying to figure out where the dolphin went.

This group all went on Journey to Atlantis, a water ride. The got soaked. Then, they put on the rain slickers and went a second time. Well, not Ben and Ryan. Once was enough. Ben was drenched.




Noah preferred to hang out and listen to the speakers.


We saw a polar bear.


Then, the same crazy 5 went on the river ride.



Noah preferred to be kind of the mountain while we waited.



It was never raining out during the day. We just put on the slickers to avoid getting wet on rides. When we went to the dolphin show. They wanted to sit in the soak zone. I sat there with Emily and our friends and we got soaked.


We bailed about half way to the show and Emily vowed to never sit in a soak zone again.


Noah spent the whole day on David's shoulders. We are renting a stroller tomorrow at the zoo.


We rode the Manta for a third time.

While we were waiting for them to ride the Manta. Ben, Noah and I went to the underwater viewing. How cute are they?


We went to the Shamu show.


Our last activity was the Clyde and Seymour show. It stated raining and then it really started raining. We just sat and watched the show. It was kind of fun. Then, we went to the car and changed in the dry set of clothes I brought.

We had a great day. I have never been to an amusement park on a cloudy/rainy day and it's the best! Just be prepared with a raincoat and have a great time!

Carlsbad, Day 4

My kids wake up every morning and have a cup of coffee. I know some people think we are crazy. But, it's more like coffee milk. Mostly milk, vanilla creamer and sugar with about 4 ounces of coffee. They've been doing it since they were all about 2. Noah sometimes asks demands a second cup. He's my most addicted, followed by Emily and Ben could take it or leave it. So, my three monkey's were on the sofa enjoying coffee this morning.


Then, we got the beach. It's our third beach day in a row. Typically, we do beach day, then an activity, then a beach day, then an activity. But, the weather got colder today and it's getting even colder tomorrow and Thursday. We decided to do Sea World and the Zoo when it's cold. Well, I say cold, but 64 to us is a pretty nice day. In any case, today we went to the beach. I thought I'd get some good candid photos, but all I got was this:


And this:


and this:


I gave up and went to easier pictures of the boys flying a kite.




Then, Noah decided to go for a walk on the beach. He kept walking.


We wanted to see how far he would go. As it turns out, pretty dang far. David yelled for him and he came back.


Noah fed the birds. He loves feeding the birds.

He'd feed them little tiny pieces. The birds did not find it amusing.


My kiddos digging in the sand. It was much cooler outside today and a slight breeze, so on shore activities were preferred.


Noah made sand angels.


We came home and had a great steak dinner with baked potoates and salad. Then, we drove to a neighboring beach, Oceanside, and had a bon fire and made smores. We got there just in time to watch the sun go down.


There was a great play ground.


Here are the boys.


Em and Alanah.



Me and David.


Dakri and Ryan.


The grown ups. And I use that term loosely.


Noah helping David make pokers out of wire hangers.


Noah enjoying a smore. Well, he takes everything apart and eats it on it's own. And he doesn't like his marshmallow roasted. It's not a smore at all.


Tomorrow we have smore fun. HA, you get it? some more fun...smore fun?

We are off to Sea World!

Carlsbad, Day 3

This picture was of Ben's stomach last night.

WE went in the pool and hot tub last night. Totally fun!


Now, on to today. The weather is taking a turn in a few days. So, we are taking advantage of the warm weather while we can and going to the beach.

Noah built a sand castle and was very proud. He even found the feather for the flag.



The girls were doing something. I'm not sure what.




Noah and I dug this little hole.


There was more football.


Ben looking handsome.


Noah gathered seashells.


David rode some waves.


Here's everyone but Noah and I out in the water. He prefers the sand.


We don't drink soda at home. But, when you are on the beach, it tastes good. Noah discovered a love of Dr. Pepper.


Good to the last drop...


The guy next to use built this huge hole. So, when he left we checked it out.



Noah was on the board saying, "I'm in the ocean. I'm on a big wave. Woah..." It was funny.


For Grammie Gwynne, this is the gate that almost impaled Ben. Over his left shoulder, you can see where the gate meets up with the fence part at that knobby thing and he got stuck there.

He's already doing better.


We grilled pork chops tonight and this was our view. Can't be beat.