Orlando, Part 1- SEA WORLD!

We just got back from a wonderful trip to Orlando! I had a conference there for work, so we decided to go up a day early and take Ella to Sea World. We had a great time....it was VERY hot that day, as you can tell by the pictures. Ella's cheeks were rosy red! But it didn't seem to bother her too bad and we had such a great day. There is something so awesome about watching your little one experience something for the first time. I loved watching her as she watched the animals and the shows. There are so many pictures, I had a hard time narrowing them down, so bare with me :)

Here we are just getting to Sea World. Ella got her own big girl stroller at the park.

One of the first things we did was go to the "Believe" show at Shamu Stadium. It was unbelievable. I had seen it once before when I was younger, but didn't remember it too well. It is the most amazing thing. These huge killer whales swimming around with people. Tom and I both decided our new dream is to be a trainer to one of these magnificent animals.

If you look, you can see the trainer getting his feet steady on Shamu's nose, then he pushes him through the water and up.....
How fun does THIS look? Um, please sir, can I have a turn? :)

It was neat watching them interact. Shamu is so smart!

Every time he did a "trick," he got a handful of fresh fish as a reward.

Rosy cheeks!

Wow! Did you see that?
One of the trainers, riding on Shamu's belly.
What the heck are those people doing?
It was the neatest show.

A family self portrait.

Ooooh, Mama! Look at that!

This is what happens to Ella's hair in the extreme humidity!

What a sweet smile. She will do this on command now when you ask her to show you her teeth.
Outside the stadium, after the show.
Trying to cool off in the water. Ella was a little hesitant, but liked to look from the sidelines.

The dolphin nursery. They are so precious! Doesn't it look like he's smiling at the camera?

Ella with Daddy on the carousel. She's looking a bit glazed over here.
The Clyde and Seamore Sea Lion show....although I think there was just one sea lion. Isn't he cute?
Posing for the camera. Work it, work it....
SHARKS!

The pictures didn't come out that great, because it was low lighting and behind glass. But I think you get the picture. Yikes! Not quite as cute and approachable as Shamu ;)
I couldn't get a decent picture of the penguins, again, because of the low lighting. So I thought I'd pose in front of the "penguin habitat" backdrop. Not at all cheesy, right?
Ella pooped out on Daddy. She was such a good sport, though. She had missed naptime and it was 95 degrees out. But she never cried or fussed. She just fell asleep :)
Daddy's hat providing some shade for sleeping beauty.
One last picture before leaving the park.

We had such a great day together. Stay tuned for more pictures from our trip! A preview of things to come: Portofino Bay Hotel (gorgeous!), Universal CitiWalk, Bubba Gump Shrimp, swimming and dinner at EMERIL'S!! Check back later!!......