San Antonio Day 2 & 3

On April 26th and 27th, we went to Sea World.  The kids have known about it for months now, but FINALLY the day came.  They were so surprised because we never tell them where we are going . . . we chalk it up to an adventure!!

Jasmine and Seth waiting for the place to open

Seth, Marianne, Jeremy and Jasmine right in front

First up, we went to dolphin cove to see the hungry and playful dolphins.  We bought some fish and Jasmine threw a fish in the dolphins mouth.  She was took scared to steal a pet.

Seth our fearless and crazy boy did not drop the fish in the dolphins mouth, but proceeded to hold on to the fish while the dolphin put it in his mouth. He was mesmerized by the whole thing and wouldn't listen to us telling him to let go. Thankfully, the dolphin was smart and did not bite my son's hands off.  

Next, we headed to the sea lion/walrus show.  Seth was completely silent and in awe.  Jasmine loved it too!

After this we headed for some lunch where I had a yummy bacon cheeseburger at Seafire Grille.  We had went at the perfect time because it was empty.  After that we went on some rides in the Bay of Play area.   Jasmine rode her first roller coaster called Shamu Express with Jeremy and then me.  We also rode the carousel, rocking ride, ferris wheel.  

Jasmine and Amachi in the Ferris Wheel.

Afterwards, we went and saw the Azul show with beluga whales and dolphins.

To cool off, went to see the Sesame Street 4D show.  The kids liked it although I think the beginning could have been cut out completely.

After this we walked around to the back of the park and watched the giant roller coasters.  We also checked out the penguin area.  We continued our walk and Jasmine got to ride the Journey to Atlantis with me and her Amachi.  It is one of those rides that puts you 10 stories up and then rides you down to plunge into water.  I couldn't believe Jasmine was big enough for this one.  She said it made her tummy go "WHOA".  Well we had made it this far so we decided to see the new One Ocean show that featured all the orca whales.  It was great and the kids loved to see the orca whales jumping and splashing.  I thought the orca whales were awesome, but not sure why they had this video showing in the beginning that for me was a waste of time.

Of course both kiddos got their very own orca whale.  :)

That was the end of the first day at Sea World.  Everyone was tired and we were thankful to have leftover pizza at the house for dinner.

Day 2 at Sea World was icing on the cake - we got buy one get one day free.

First stop, Bay of Play.  The kids played in the splash pads and had a ball all by themselves for quite a while.      Then, Seth got tired of all the water and I took him up this giant playground/net thing.  It was a workout for me and little man.  Jasmine kept playing in the splash pad during this time.  Then a Sesame Street little show started, so Seth, Daddy and Amachi watched that while I took Jasmine up the playground/net thing.  After the show, the characters were out for pictures.

Cookie Monster and Zoe with Seth and Jazz

 

The Count gave them high fives!  They also saw Grover.

After this, we probably rode some more rides before heading to the One Ocean show again.  Jasmine wanted to be splashed this time, so Jeremy and her went down to the splash zone.  Sadly enough they did not get splashed at this show, so Jasmine was quite disappointed.

We left the show right when it was over and ran to the Smokehouse right across the way for lunch.  I will say that I liked this place the least.  Friends, if you go during prime time expect a long line and long waits.  They say it is best to eat during a big show or off times.

 

I took a still from the video of Jasmine going down the Journey to Atlantis ride with Jeremy.

I will have to say this was the best trip ever with our family.  This was the first purely fun trip that we have had since having the kids. We did not have one negative thing to say about the whole thing and the kids did so well and LOVED it.  Jasmine talks about being a orca whale trainer and Seth asks when are we going again.  I will say it is a pricey place to visit with the tickets, parking fees, food, etc, but for us it was worth it.  Our kids have told EVERYONE about their trip and it will be a great time to remember down the road.

San Antonio Day 1

April 25th, we got up early and hit the road.

 
Here is my new perspective in the car.  I sat in the third row of our minivan while Jeremy and Amachi were up front plus kids in the middle.  The third row was perfect for me as I didn't feel carsick when helping the kids.  The only drawback is there is a speaker right next to my head and Jeremy was in control of the music!

First stop in San Antonio, Morgan's Wonderland!  We had read awesome reviews about this place and decided to check it out.  It is a place where children both with and without disabilities can play.  Seriously Jasmine and Seth could do everything there and for as many times as they wanted.  I think that was the best part.  It is a bit pricey, but I consider it to include a donation (the park gives free admission to any child with special needs).

Seth "driving" a car on a track and without a license!

Jasmine riding a horse

Jeremy helping the kiddos at the grocery store

Seth checking out the lobsters

Dark picture I know - Amachi, Jeremy, Seth, me and Jasmine on the train (one of two rides that day).

View from the train as it goes around the entire property

Amachi and Jasmine - yes, Jasmine soaked herself in the water play area. :)

 

Seth riding the carousel with daddy (we might have done this 3 or 4 times)

Jasmine looking beautiful in purple

To top off our first day, we met up with our dear friends Donny and Jody for pizza!  Here are the kiddos - Leah, Cole, Jasmine and Seth.  

Thanksgiving 2011

This Thanksgiving was unique in several ways - 1.)  It was my birthday.  Whoo hoo!  My three sweeties made me feel so special.  My favorite part of the birthday was hearing about Jasmine at the store with Jeremy shopping for my gift the Friday before.  She wanted to get me a rainbow dress, but they couldn't find one.  Jasmine then said that she wanted to buy me a rainbow BRA.  So funny!  Jeremy let it slide and proceeded to get me a cute robe, slippers and chocolate.  :)  2.)  This year I got to celebrate Thanksgiving with Jeremy's brother's family since they moved down from Michigan this summer.  It was a great time and let me tell you that Rhonda takes the meal very seriously.  She cooked up a storm and it was so yummy!  It is always fun to have more family around.

After breakfast, we started getting the tree out and decorating for Christmas.  Jasmine is Jeremy's little helper.

Seth's first Christmas getting involved with decorating or at least playing with all the stuff!

Grandma getting some sweet potatoes!

Jeremy grabbing the grub

One side of the table - Uncle Jason got to hang out next to Jasmine at dinner.  Fun!!

Seth picking at the fixin's

Uncle Jason telling Jasmine that he will NOT kiss her feet.  :)

Now that is a lot of folks!!  Papaw is at the other end behind the flowers.

I am thankful for so many things this Thanksgiving!  God is good . . . no, He is GREAT!!

Visiting Geegaw!!

This year we headed up to Camden, TN to see Geegaw on November 19th.  We left at 3:30 a.m. and got to our destination around 12 hours later.  The kids did great in the car, but were so glad to be out of that car.  After dinner, the kiddos jumped in the leaves and took a wagon ride all around Geegaw's yard.

Fun in a wagon!

I think they are having some fun

Jeremy showing the kids some old pictures of himself and the rest of the family

Running around in the enclosed porch

Handsome man

On Sunday, I stayed home from church with Seth since he had a little cold.  Jeremy, Jasmine and Geegaw went to service and at one point the pastor calls the kiddos up to the front.  Jeremy had not prepped Jasmine beforehand, so he just told her that the pastor has candy for her.  She walked up front and then promptly asked for her piece of candy.  The pastor told her that she would be the first to get one when he started passing it out.  The pastor asked each child what they were thankful for and where it came from.  Some kids said food, family, etc.  Jasmine who was the last one said she was thankful for everything.  The pastor asked her where it all comes from and she promptly responded God.  I was so sad to miss it, but was so proud of our little miss.

Geegaw got a new train and the kiddos helped put it together along with daddy

Seth decided to start using the train box as a slide and Jasmine joined in too.  I am so thankful for the train set because it rained every day we were there and we could not get out much.

Our typical turkey pic - Jasmine is getting big!

Seth is towering over that turkey too!

An early Thanksgiving meal with Geegaw!!

We did go on one outing to Pilot Knob.  There were a million daddy long legs and it creeped me out!!

A pretty view

Seth is on top of the world

The boys

Jasmine and her Geegaw

No trip is complete without seeing Aunt Edith.  She just loved on the kids.  She is 97 and I truly believe she will outlive us all.  She is a FIRECRACKER!!

Another pic of Aunt Edith

Jasmine did not want to leave Geegaw's house when we left at 3:30 a.m.  It is so sweet to see the kiddos love on him.  Next year, we will hopefully go in October and actually enjoy some time outdoors.  We are tired of the rainy Thanksgiving time.  :)

Quote of the week - Geegaw describing one of his female friends, "Her hair looked like it was blown out of a cannon."  Oh me!!