Under the Sea. And Sun.

We went to Sea World this week. With Baca! Without Mike :(

The boys met Shamu, we saw almost every single show, I took Cole on his first real roller coaster (the Steel Eel), we drank lots of lemonade, had dessert before lunch, and thoroughly enjoyed our trip.

Cole's favorite - the poison dart frogs

Tate's favorite - Shamu

I even got Cole to smile for a picture! Baca apparently thought I said to act like a 7 year old boy ;)

Tate enjoyed a little time in the Splash Park at Sea World while Cole-Man, who has yet ANOTHER ear infection, went climbing and exploring on the mazes of tall nets and towers.

We saw the water ski show, which ended up being one of my favorite attractions.  The skiers had so much talent, and it was fun to watch.

Cole won a "Willie the Duck" stuffed toy at a water gun carnival game.

Then Tate, who is only 3 mind you, got the GRAND PRIZE -- a giant plush penguin -- after winning the ball toss game. Winner, winner chicken dinner!

I had to cart around the 3-foot-tall penguin in the stroller for half the day, completely ruining my "I don't want to look like a typical Sea Wold tourist" look.  Totally worth it, though, to see the smile on Tate's face after winning.  No one else was walking through the park with a giant penguin.  That night, Baca got to sleep with Tate. And the penguin. :)

On Wednesday, I went to see my awesome Mamaw. I could just kick myself, though, because I left without getting a single picture!  I loved having lunch with her friends and then getting in several hours of visiting with just the two of us. Love her to pieces.  Just imagine I took a picture. We looked cute, I promise ;)

Peggy took the boys to the Children's Museum in New Braunfels while I was in Boerne. The boys had a great time. 

Astronaut Cole

Banker Cole and Customer Tate

Dr. Tate Stansberry

Dr. Cole Stansberry (I could get used to the ring of those names!)

We visited John a couple of times and ended our mini vacay with a family game of Jenga.

We made it back home - barely (next time, we'll take Dad with us!) - and are thankful for a mid-summer Hill Country break.   This weekend we will be packing for Cole for camp and signing Tate up for pitching practice with the Rangers. :)