Spring Break San Diego!

I love the Spring. The weather is nice and the flowers start to bloom. But my favorite part about Spring is Spring Break! Matt and I have been talking about our plans for Spring Break for awhile. We have been debating the plans... San Antonio was the first thought, but then we didn't really want to be in the car with the kids for over 12 hours. The second thought was Disneyland, but we didn't want to take the risk of going back without grandparents, plus we are going there in October. So then we decided on San Diego. You get a short car ride, the beach and Sea World. I know we were just there in December, but Matt never gets to participate in the fun stuff. He is always with the basketball team. With the hotel booked, the bags packed, the pack n play and snacks galore we were off on our 4-day family get away!

Of course the first day was mostly travel, but we did manage to get in a little fun before we all crashed that night. After checking into the hotel and changing into jeans, we took off to Seaport Village for a little walk to look at the boats (a.k.a. Jake and the Neverland pirate ships), have a little dinner and ice cream. As we were walking on the boardwalk looking at the boats, there was a man making bubbles. They were huge and Lucas couldn't wait to pop them. 

Lucas catching the HUGE bubbles on the boardwalk!
This was a riot!

We took the kids to the carousel. Lucas noticed it right was we got there. But we managed to hold him off until after dinner! Lucas is a pro, but this was Macie's first time. She wasn't too sure! In fact she only lasted about a minute into the ride before she wanted off. She enjoyed watching Lucas ride, but didn't want anything to do with it herself. 

Such a BIG smile.

So serious! Macie on her first carousel ride!

After a good night of sleep we were headed for Mission Beach (after a Starbucks stop) first thing in the morning before Sea World opened. The good thing about traveling with the littles is that we are up early enough that we get to make the most out of the day. Matt and Lucas played baseball and football while Macie and I put our feet in the sand and relaxed. 

This is one of my favorite pictures from the morning.
Macie and her Daddy! 

Me and my boy!

After our little stint at the beach, we headed back to the hotel, washed the sand off our feet and made our way to Sea World. We had many adventures that day. We saw the polar bears, penguins, fed the seals, watched the Sea Lion show, did the rope corse with Daddy, played a little music and met our favorite characters. 

It wouldn't be a trip to Sea World if we didn't get our picture taken with the Otter.
He is always right there when we first arrive. 

Checking out the manatees. 

How cute are these kids?

My adorable boys!

Again, it wouldn't be a trip to Sea World without meeting our Sesame Street characters!

But this would be the first trip with Daddy. 

I love how he walks right up to them and gives them BIG hugs. 

Macie did NOT get her picture taken with the characters... 

She is not a fan and freaked out when they came over to greet Lucas. 

After the sea lion show we took a little break and went back to the hotel which was only 5 minutes away. This gave us time to rest and eat dinner. Then we headed back to Sea World for the evening to catch the Shamu show and play a little bit more. 

Macie in the play pit.
She wasn't quite sure what to do.

She sat there for about 4 minutes before she made her move. 

Once she did... She walked right out into the middle.

Luckily Big Brother showed up and was able to convince her to come back. 

I wasn't about to climb out there to get her. 

There are so identical in how they are standing. It is too funny!
Two peas in a pod for sure!

Then it was time to catch the evening show of Shamu. I have seen it several times during the daylight, but never at night. It is a little more magical at night. Maybe because I was there with all of my family this time. Lucas enjoyed watching Shamu splash people, Macie enjoyed eating the popcorn. 

 

After a great first day, we couldn't wait to get started on the second day of vacation. Well the kids couldn't wait to get started. Again, they were up bright and early. So we headed to Mission Beach for a little more beach time. But first, we stopped at our favorite breakfast place called, The Mission. It has the best breakfast food, especially the pancakes! Macie and Lucas shared a pancake and fruit. Well, Lucas ate some of the pancake while Macie gobbled up the fruit and a little pancake. 

After breakfast we headed to the beach to play a little bit more. Macie really enjoys the beach. She couldn't get enough. I think if we set her free, she would have walked right in the ocean. Lucas enjoyed playing his sports with Daddy! They played baseball, football and a new one to be played on the beach, golf. The only kid I know who would turn the beach into a golf course. 

My little beach bum!

Playing a little tackle football on the beach with Daddy

Daddy saving her from the ocean.
A little dare devil.

Hunting for shells... Well, pistachio shells.

Lucas staying as far away from the ocean as possible.
He is too funny!

Here is is playing golf...

Here is the flag for the hole.

After lunch and a nap for Macie and Daddy, we headed back to Sea World for more adventures. Every time we have been to Sea World, I have managed to keep Lucas away from the basketball games. That is until we bring Daddy along and the games begin. They played basketball and won a plethora of toys.  They won 2 U of A flags, 2 Shamu whales and 2 Angry Birds. Good times! They (Daddy) were on fire!

One of the Shamu whales that was one!

A little football...

A little skeet ball...

That day we saw the sea turtles, the sharks (again), the dolphins, caught the Pet Show, and met more of our favorite characters. Plus the highlight for me was getting to see the 1 month old baby whale. So cute!

My little rescuers!

The pet show.
Macie kept laughing every time one of the animals would come out.
She was too funny!

This time Lucas got to meet Elmo and Big Bird. We have never met Big Bird before so he was so excited. Again, Macie did not partake in meeting the characters. Still not a fan. 

Elmo gave Lucas the biggest hug...
You can only see Lucas' feet.  The hug was that big.

Meeting Big Bird for the first time!
He had the biggest smile on his face!

This time we did rides with Daddy!

They had a great time!

More fun on the rope course. 

Baby Shamu!

It was a great family trip to San Diego!

But all great things must come to an end!