After all of the lessons learned the past day, Chance and I started the new day with a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and free breakfast from the hotel. Not paying for 2 meals in a row does wonders for the soul.
We got to the park early, sunscreened up, and made a beeline for Atlantis, a ride we could all go on that looked really fun.
All of us got soaked, and 3 of us had fun. Annie lost it when the boat went backwards and never recovered. We were really afraid the day was done for (especially after she told us that she peed in her pants during the ride and of course I did not pack a change of clothes), but some quiet time exploring with just Mama while the boys rode the ride several more times was just what she needed.
We let go of our plan of all staying together all day, and thanked heavens for texting so we could touch base. Annie and I went to the Sesame Street kids area, where she loved riding every single ride and having an area that was just her size and speed. The guys rode the Steel Eel and Wave Breaker enough times for Cade to be completely hooked on roller coasters and enough times for Chance to decide that it was time to switch places. Annie continued to have a blast, and I discovered that high-speed roller coasters are not my thing anymore! The look on my face in the picture says it all... love for your son trumps terror, but just one time.
Bonus - Chance and I got to hang out for about 2 minutes while the kids rode the Shamu Express by themselves! They sat right next to each other and didn't hit each other for the whole ride!
Lunchtime brought us back together, and then a rainstorm led us to some indoor exhibits and the whale show. It was magnificent! After that, it was time for more rides, the Sesame Street playground, and the sea lion show.
Rio Loco was one of our last rides... it was shut down for awhile because of the rain, and we were so glad we got to ride it before leaving. Good news about this one - all 4 of us got soaked AND all 4 of us had fun! And when I say soaked, I mean as wet as jumping into a pool fully clothed! Soaked! We took pics at the end, but I don't think they do it justice!
We managed to take a couple of family pictures and Annie finally got her wish of riding on Daddy's shoulders by the end of the day.
Parenting lessons of the day:
Ride the rides that the kids want you to ride. This may mean swallowing your fears or squeezing into uncomfortable seats, but ride the rides with them while they want you to.
Let go of expectations that everything will be perfect. Slow down, listen, and realize that it is.
Bring a change of clothes for EVERYONE. Two changes for those who seem old enough not to wet their pants but still might.
Share meals at lunch. No one will want to sit still long enough to eat a ton.
Spend the money on the photo pass. Photos of your and your children's faces on rides will come in very handy in future slideshows.
Go somewhere for dinner that serves speedy appetizers. By this point everyone will be STARVING.
Say yes when the kids ask if we can do this again tomorrow!
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