Las Vegas

We stopped in Las Vegas for a couple of nights on the drive home from LA. We all enjoyed a visit to M&M world.

The kids and Choney all took a ride on the gondolas at The Venetian.

No matter where we stayed, the kids favourite part of any hotel was the pool. They got a chance for a swim at the end of the day today.

Sea World

Maya has been wanting to go to Sea World for a few years now, so when we went to Disneyland we decided it was worthwhile to drive to San Diego to go there. The rest of the family spent this day traveling around Venice Beach so it was just me, Josh and Maya.

The Shamu show was great. We all love whales and we loved all the jumps and tricks they did.

The whole front half of the stadium is the "Soak Zone" so we chose to sit farther back. We were surprised at how many people got up and moved once the whales started splashing - what did they think Soak Zone meant? The whale trainer said that the whales' goal is to get as much water out of the tank as possible - and they were very good at it!

 We got to feed and pat the dolphins - we loved that!

 The Seal Show...

 ...with a cute little otter.

 This pilot whale can jump so high out of the water! I would love to be the trainer who does this trick.

 I've always thought skiing on dolphins looks like so much fun. I really should have gone into this profession!

Penguins

I don't think I have ever seen puffins before and it was really interesting to see how they dive in the water. 

  Polar Bear

Maya and I love belugas. The gray beluga is a baby. We learned that they are gray until they are about 2 years old and not fully white until about 7.

Universal Studios

 Fame was calling at Universal Studios. Josh and Maya were happy to have their moment on the red carpet.

 On a ride around the Back Lot at the studios.

 Maya is a natural on the stage. I love that she has her fingers positioned on a real chord (I think that's the G chord).

 Louis joined the band on the drums.

 It was a hot day so the kids enjoyed a chance to play in the Curious George water park while the adults got a chance to rest in the shade.

I love Curious George.

There aren't a lot of rides at the Studios, but the Jurassic Park ride was great. We went on that several times just for the long drop at the end of the ride - that was really fun. Seriously, do I not look like I am loving this? I especially love Maya's and Louis' expressions in these photos.