Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Sea World 101

Lessons I learned today, upon taking three children ages five and under to Sea World by myself:

1. I'm obviously insane. If there was any doubt before, it's now been confirmed.

2. Even the most comfortable shoes will give you blisters after several hours of walking around in them.

3. Carrying a baby and a preschooler down steep, wet concrete stairs while laden with a full backpack is a very precarious thing. Climbing back up the same stairs with the same load is no easier.

4. When the seats say "Splash Zone", it's not false advertising.

5. The splash of a mammoth killer whale is not the same as that of a family member playing with you in the pool or bathtub.

6. Young children are painfully unaware of lesson #5.

7. The aforementioned young children may THINK they want to be splashed by a whale, until it actually happens, at which point they are likely to burst into tears and be tremendously insulted.

8. Third children are remarkably resiliant, and will take to whale splashes much better than their older siblings.

9. If the sign says "Sea Lion Interaction Area", it IS false advertising. It instead should read, "Area where Sea Lions lazily nap and occasionally yawn while onlookers gaze upon them from 25 feet away".

10. When you walk at Sea World, especially when pushing a double stroller with three children piled in, it will be uphill nomatter which direction you head.

11. If anyone ever compares you to a walrus in any way, be assured, it is not a compliment.

12. Despite all the above lessons, memories were made and fun was had, and I'm sure we'll do it again soon. Confused? For further explanation, refer to Lesson #1.





Emma, Garfield, and Elizabeth a few minutes after their first Splash Zone experience. By this point, the crying had stopped and there remained only a slight hint of their stunned expressions.

11 comments:

Sara M. said...

Yes, I think it's the "three kids five and under" that cause the insanity. I have it as well - and I often use those insane moments to take my 4, 2, and 1 year olds to the zoo by myself.
I especially like #10. How the heck did they build an ENTIRE park/zoo/whatever uphill???

Amy said...

Haha! #5 and #11 really got me laughing. That pictures is a keeper - it tells quite a story!

Tiffany said...

You're too much fun, Steph! I love it! Don't be so hard on yourself because of your insanity. Your kiddos will savor these memories even as adults...

Unknown said...

You are far braver than I Stephanie, far braver!

Grafted Branch said...

I was going to guess that the first born was the most indignant at the insult of the splash, but really, she looks o.k. in the picture. That boy in the middle though--his expression is killin' me! lol.

And yes, you are crazy. And unfortunately (or maybe fortunately--depending how you look at it), a couple of years down the road, you will be the only one who remembers it. ;)

Fun post.

Anonymous said...

When we go now, the oldest is allowed to sit in the splash zone by herself while the rest of us overlook from a few isle up. ;)

We wont be heading that way this year, but hopefully next year with a new baby....yeah that sounds like fun!

Chef Mama Lori said...

Oh, my goodness! Garfield's face says it all! Phil just cracked up seeing the picture. And, that penguin towel is the same one Natalie has!

They do get bigger & it becomes easier to take them to a place like that. Sort of! LOL!

Chelsea said...

Now do you understand why I've griped about Sea World on my blog? It's not the happiest place on earth.

Anonymous said...

Very funny and very true!

Great to connect after so long! I look forward to many blogs read! Maybe we can get together in the near future!

Anonymous said...

I don't know what it is about Sea World that can make Mommas a little crazy. The first time I took B i made the mistake of going WITHOUT a stroller and ended up carrying her all day long. I think we both fell asleep that night before 8pm.

I have gotten a lot wiser since then, and now find it much easier to go with a buddy. Let me know if you are up to the trip again and I will join you. 2:2 is a much better ratio.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha! Funny story. I came over from Life in a Shoe, and enjoyed your blog. I took my boys (3 and 1) to Sea World in Orlando by myself last summer. I was also 7 months pregnant too (rule 1 applies to me too!) I have to say I was just surprised there were so many places, rides ect. where you weren't allowed to bring strollers. I felt like I was constantly unloading everyone. It was a memorable day though!