the early birds

When it comes to theme parks, I am a get-up-and-go kind of girl. I don't want to miss one moment of being inside the gate, having fun. My family (and friends) have grown accustomed to this habit of mine... and they just laugh. But to me, it is serious business. I don't plan the whole day out, but the first hour or so? Oh yes. Because, you know, if you get there when it opens (or before!) you can do most everything you really want to do in the first hour... and then just enjoy the rest of the day... But sometimes, getting to the park early has even greater perks...

We have discovered that if you head right over to the Seaworld dolphins, as soon as the gate opens, they are actually just waiting for you to come and play with them. Most people are rushing over to get in line to feed them, but if you just head over to the lagoon, you will meet up with the most playful and joyful creatures, who are waiting just for you. We've been the only ones there, and gotten to throw their toys out to them... and it is almost unbelievable that you are even having the chance. On this morning, there were no toys, but after a long night's rest, the dolphins were craving some playful attention. And as Camden reported, having a dolphin slide by under the palm of your hand is pretty much the best moment ever.


It was hard to tear ourselves away from the lagoon and the dolphins, who were spinning and splashing away. It is such a wonder... and they are such a beautiful part of God's creation. And as much fun as we had feeling them swim by our waiting hands, it was almost more fun to watch them from the underwater viewing area... creating rings of silver water, and chasing them about, or nudging a friend for a playful game of tag. We just took some time... to enjoy.