The Bischoffs

Day 8 of the road trip was spent driving in the rain from Anaheim to San Diego. And the next day we were ready for a trip to Sea World. We arrived before the park officially opened but were allowed in and were able to go up the observation tower.

Our view from the top.

Abby Cadabby watching over Sesame Street Bay of Play.

Sea World's version of the Dumbo Ride, Elmo's Flying Fish.

We were the only ones on so the kids got to pick whichever Elmo they wanted.

Chloe got Elmo Puppy!

Oscar's Rockin' Eels

Abby's Sea Star Spin

The Sea Lion Show

I guess they really can balance a ball on their nose...

The BaySide SkyRide

Lucy and Daddy in their own car.

Back to the ground.

The Shamu Show

We almost sat in the Splash Zone because there were lots of empty seats. After seeing the show, I'm glad we didn't...

Penguins!

Sea Turtles

Waiting for the Dolphin Show.

Dolphins + Cirque du Soleil = interesting combination

Sea Lions

We waited until Friday to return to Disneyland but had to plan our day wisely. The park opened at 8 am and closed at midnight. We wanted to arrive early to take advantage of the smaller crowds and, also, stay late. By leaving in the early afternoon, both girls managed to nap at the hotel (which never happens at home...) and were refreshed for a late night at the park.

Our first stop was Autopia, where kids get to drive cars around the bumpy course. Big lines always happen later in the day so we were able to check this off the list with a 5 min wait.

Lucy, ready to go!

Waiting in line for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

And our sub emerges...

Climbing into it...

Sitting in front of our porthole windows.

Here's our view...

Oh no! It's the crazy girl from the dentist's office...

Our return to It's a Small World. Lucy has been singing the song ever since our last trip in May.

We couldn't go on Wednesday because the ride was closed to prepare for Christmas.

But today, it reopened with a song change, the Jingle Bell remix, and lots of Christmas touches.

Waiting for the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

Charlie was too hesitant to try the roller coaster but Lucy willingly went on twice!

Charlie preferred the spinning tea cups, which Phil refused to go on.

In front of Sleeping Beauty's castle while waiting to return to Neverland.

Taking the train after a ride on Splash Mountain. We gave Lucy thicker soled shoes and a ponytail on top of her head so she suddenly (in 2 days) grew that half inch necessary to meet the 40 inch minimum ride height.