hangin' out in shamu's 'hood

there are a zillion pics here. i'll just let 'em do most of the talking.

after an uneventful drive down, we checked into the sheraton suites near the gaslamp district. we got the room for less than half price, thanks to my priceline negotiating. the girls got wacky while i unpacked.

we ate at the hard rock cafe, a place we can never seem to avoid. but it was good and reasonably priced, and we got a nice walk on our way there. we also stopped at ghirardelli for dessert, and then headed "home" for the night. i know i have pics, but i can't find them at the moment. fail.

the next morning, the bean played peek-a-boo while we got ready for the day.

we crammed into one car and headed for a pancake house that the ILs wanted to check out, but after eyeing the long ass line to get in, we ended up stopping at this place for breakfast on the way to sea world.

it was still crowded, but a lot less so. and as i sat down to wait, i pulled out the trusty iPhone to check yelp reviews for this joint. i was happy to see that most of them were positive, and i was grateful for my fabulous iPhone all over again.

we pulled into a not-too-crowded parking lot at sea world, and while FIL bought our tickets, i walked around and snapped a few pics.

it was bright, and the bean tried on a couple of pairs of shades.

first stop: the shamu show!

the bean saw a lot of sea world from this vantage point.

she swished her hands in the water and then tasted them. mmm, dolphin poop.

sharks!

i giggled and snorted at this. yes, i'm twelve.

the teen had fun taking her sister for a ride in the stroller.

yes, please.

for some, this was the best part.

this made them sad.

so they just kept going back.

the bean amused herself as the beer sampling continued.

more silliness.

checking out the clydesdale horses.

horse's hooves.

horse's face.

horse's - well, you get it.

for some unknown reason, the bean was just drawn to the rocky pavement.

at the sesame street kiddie area, the bean was transfixed at the sight of elmo.

and then, all of a sudden, there he was! she went a-runnin'.

we were absolutely amazed at her fearlessness. i mean, come on - that is one bright ass red fluffy thing right thurr. she gave elmo a big hug:

and then examined him and zoey curiously before smiling for the camera.

next, she found a great cushy play area with lots of kids to watch.

the teen found her inner kid, too.

they rode a ride together:

and then we made one last stop before we called it a day and headed for the exit.

that's all, folks!