Spring Break part 5 finale

After 6 days at the parks, we were ready for the beach!  We picked Friday because it was the best weather day.  We stayed close and went to La Jolla shores which was a few minutes away.

Quincy was too young the last time she was at the beach so for her this was a new experience.  Of course, she fell in love!  She wanted to run and play in the water, build stuff and play in the sand, get buried in the sand, and bury everyone else in the sand.  

Quincy getting buried!

BS is buried...even has his man parts :)

We have taken the kids to the beach quite a few times before but there has always been a cool breeze and the ocean too cold to swim in.  This day it was finally warm enough!  We had a blast jumping over and waves and seeing how far out we could go.

 Later that afternoon, we went to Seal beach and Shell beach.  We enjoyed watching all of the seals relaxing and swimming while we soaked up some sun.  Next door is shell beach which is a small cove  with sand like brown sugar, rocky reefs, and lots of crabs.  The kids had fun exploring and trying to catch the crabs.

Perfect ending to a perfect family vacation!

 The next morning, we loaded up the car and drove all of the way home in one day.  These guys are such great little travelers.  Some books, some snacks/drinks, some movies, some I-touch games/music, and some coloring is all we need for a nice road trip.  With kids this awesome, we can do this easily.  Here is Quincy watching her show somewhere between Las Vegas and St. George:

Truly one AMAZING trip for the 6 Clarks!  It couldn't have gone any better!

Spring Break part 4

Thursday we spent at the fantastic Sea World!

We opened the gates and rushed to feed the dolphins first thing.  Feeding the dolphins and sea lions was an experience the kids won't soon forget!  BS and I loved watching their anticipation and excitement when the gentle sea creatures ate their fish.  They were able to pet them too!

 

And then of course we saw the Shamu show, the dolphin and pilot whale show, and the Seymour and Clyde show.  All were as awesome as I remember.  {Except, the trainers don't swim with the killer whales anymore}.  I kept waiting for that part.

 Then it was off to ride Atlantis, a roller coaster/boat ride combo.  So fun.  We got drenched riding it over and over as well as the river rapid ride.  They had some cute little rides for little Quinny too!

Quin loves her shamu stuffed animal.  Calls it "whale with a tail"

Sam got drenched by the whales from sitting in the "splash zone"

 Sharks, penguins, sting rays, beluga whales, polar bears, star fish, and a HUGE pink walrus!

What a great day!

Sprig Break part 4

Man, I really need to get through this vacation so I can move onto other things.  So much has happened since we've been home.

Anyway, on Wednesday we decided to have a chill day at San Diego's Safari Park 

{used to be Wild Animal Park}.  

 It was a brilliant decision - nice weather, no crowds, no rush, lots of animals.  It was really fun and quite a delightful day!  The best part was the butterflies...for only 4 weeks/year they exhibit thousands of butterflies that are hatching in a beautiful atrium full of fresh flowers and plants.  We walked in and there were butterflies of all sizes and colors flying everywhere around us!  They even landed on us!  It was awesome! 

Also, we were able to feed some larakeets that landed right on our arms!

I have a ton of pictures of the animals but I decided to save those for the scrapbooks.  We saw white rhinos, elephants {even baby ones}, giraffes, monkeys, gorillas, tigers, cheetahs, flamingos, bald eagles, california condors, parrots, and owls just to name a few. There is a great playground and park where we enjoyed a nice picnic.  Another highlight was the petting zoo - of course Quincy thought this was the best!  She is such an animal lover!

Another fabulous day!  Here are the kids all tuckered out in our cozy hotel room: