Daniel's Birthday Dinner

 

 

 

The kids and I took Daniel to Kobe's a Japanese Steakhouse for his 31st birthday dinner celebration. The food was great and the chef was pretty funny. The best part was when Natalie got up in front of everyone at our hibachi and announced that it was her Daddy's birthday and then proceeded to stand there and point at Daniel from across the hibachi. After dinner we headed back to the hotel to watch the fireworks from Sea World, we decided watching them from our room was much more fun than fighting the crowds for a good seat.

Sea World Day 1

 

The first day started off with a bang, we got up at 7am, got everyone ready, stopped off for breakfast and headed to Sea World. We got to see the dolphin nursery full of mommies to be, then headed down to the Clyde and Seymore sea lion show, and I must say the mime that started the show off was hilarious, this show was worth catching. After the show we headed over to the shark tunnel, and the horses, they had the "Budwieser" horses out so you could pet them. Then on to Shamu Harbor for the kids to ride a few rides, they even got to play the steel drums for a few minutes. After the rollercoaster ride, which Natalie loved by the way, we headed to the family picnic for some lunch. This is by far the best lunch value in the park, the food was good and it was not crowded and the staff was very friendly and helpful. After lunch we were all getting overwhelmed, but we continued on to see the dolphins and went over to Key West, where Natalie got her face painted and Donovan got his tatoo (the sticker kind). After that we got to pet stingrays, see Manatees and then headed for the roller coaster. Natalie wanted to ride the Journey to Atlantis ride, and besides the hour and 45 minute wait, it was by far one of our favorite things to do. After a little drenching on the ride, we stopped by to view the indoor aquarium with the under floor tank, and we can now say that Natalie has walked on water. By this point we were all a little tired and headed back to the hotel to change for the evening festivities, because after all, Friday was Daniel's 31st birthday!

New Form of Exercise

We got to see these guys perform while we were at Sea World, talk about a workout, this would really get you in shape fast.....Bring on the Stilts!

The Dawning Day

 

Our trip to Sea World was spectacular! I will share some of the fun we had over the next few blogs. Our hotel was great, we stayed at the Days Inn on International Drive, we could even see Sea World from the balcony, so we got to watch the fireworks show every night without having to fight the crowds.

Wakulla Springs Wildlife

 

With the recent rain and flooding, the animals were finally ready to be out and about last weekend. The gators and snakes were very abundant and often a little close for comfort. But as always, the kids really enjoyed the river cruise and can't wait for the glass bottom boats to open back up.

Natalie and the Wildlife Festival

 

We went to Wakulla Springs this past weekend to the Wildlife Festival to see Natalie's picture that won first place in the youth division on display. And while we were there we stopped by to have an old fashioned root beer float at the soda counter. And you can't go to the springs and not take a river boat cruise so even though the water was high, away we went. I will post some of the wildlife pics we got in a bit.

Growing Up Fast

 

Our little Natalie has decided that she wants to be a "Princess on a Stage" aka, she wants to be in a pageant. There is a local pageant that she would like to enter. The pageant will be Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Wakulla High School auditorium, and we would love to have everyone who can make it attend and support our baby girl. I will of course remind everyone as the date comes closer, but be sure to mark your calendars for Natalie's stage debut. Oh, by the way, since we told her she could do it, Donovan has decided he is her pageant coach and has been trying to show her how to wave and smile, I will shoot video soon and share, because it is just too funny not to.