Landon's Sea World Overnight Field Trip!

Friday morning I wokeup at 6 am to start getting ready for our big day! I then got Landon up and told him to hurry and get ready because the three charter buses were going to be leaving the school at 7:50 am.

We got to the school at 7:30 am. I met with the field trip coordinator and she passed out the paperwork to all the chaperones. I had 3 other boys besides Landon in my group. Each chaperone made sure that each of their kids luggage and the kids got on board the buses. We then headed out and arrived at Sea World. Each group was able to sign up for where they wanted to sleep that night. Our particular group picked to sleep at the Dolphins Encounter.
The kids first did some rock climbing!These cute little guys were just walking down the Sea World sidewalk! The kids then wanted to head over to the big rollercoaster called Kracken.
Then we headed over to Atlantis! We all got soaked!

We then stopped at the oyster diving area. A few of the boys picked out oysters for the divers to dive for and then they were opened up and given the pearls. They were beautiful! Here is Kody and Landon.

Another group picture!We then decided we were hungry. Sea World gave each one of us meal vouchers. We could eat at almost any restaurant on the property. After lunch we headed to the Shamu show.

This is hard to see but a few months ago when I was here with Sierra and her class a new baby whale had just been born a day or two before. We were not able to see her that day but this time they already have the momma and the baby in the show!

Another group picture!

The park closes to the public at 7 pm. Soon after that we had to meet with two Sea World Educator's. We packed all our luggage and bedding into a Sea World Van. We would next see our stuff later that night at the Dolphin Enounter.

We then got a backstage tour of the shark area. Here one of our instructor's is teaching the kids all about sharks.
We then were all able to pet a baby shark.It was now time for dinner. We headed to a backstage area pavillion where Sea World fed us the best pizza, drinks and even ended the meal with a Chocolate Covered Shamu Ice Cream Bar.

Landon and his friend Garrett.

After dinner each group made a craft. Our group made tye dye pillow cases.

After the dye was added they put them in the bags. They would then get them back the next morning.
We then headed over to the Sting Ray petting area.

We then headed over to the manatees. It was so dark that none of my pictures turned out except this one :-)Here if you look carefully you can see a manatee in the middle of this photo.It was now 11 pm and time to head to our sleeping quarters. On the way to the dolphin area I looked up and saw the flag flying so beautifully on top of the Sea World Needle! I was so proud to be living in this country where we have the freedom to do such wonderful things!
We arrived at the dolphin aquarium where our group would be sleeping. For those of you who have been to Sea World, this is the area where you go and see the dolphins swimming under the water. We could choose from the dolphins, polar bears, manatees and a few other areas. They gave each one of us a mat to put down. The kids all had their pillows and a sleeping bags. A few of us got smart and brought inflatable air beds/mattresses. We have a queen size AERO bed so Landon and I were both able to sleep on the mattress.

What was great was this . . .we made our beds right in front of the tank. We all layed back and were able to watch the dolphins until we fell asleep!
The end to a fun day!
The next morning they woke us up at 6 am. We then got dressed, packed up our bedding and luggagge and then headed to breakfast. We had breakfast at the Sea Fire Inn. They served fresh fruit, the most incredible HUGE chocolate chip muffins, cereal and juice.
After breakfast they took us to the dolphin petting area.

The park was getting close to opening to the public so we headed to exit area. Before we left they passed out the crafts that the kids made. Here is Landon with his pillowcase.
We made it home by 9:45 am. We are a little tired but we are so thankful for the great opportunity Landon's good grades brought us again!

We came home to an empty house. Alexia is still in Mexico, Taylor and Jordan went to a youth service at another church and Sierra and Carlos went to a memorial service for a friends son who passed away.

Carlos just got home . . .Sierra went over to Lisa's house to play with the kids so I guess I better get things put away and get ready for everyone to get home!