Santa and Sea World

Every year, it's so fun to take the boys to the holiday festivities throughout Southern California. Usually, we visit local light displays and of course, the magic at Disneyland. This year, however, we hit Disney early (and actually visited while they were taping their holiday special...Andrew may be on tv...we'll find out on Christmas Eve). The park is amazing but the crowds are over-whelming sometimes, especially when you have a two year old tornado that likes to be anywhere but where he is supposed to be.

We visit Sea World throughout the year and for some reason (not intentionally) we have never gone during Christmas. But after our last visit, we will be sure to attend Sea World annually for the holidays. It was by far, the best holiday experience we have had in a very long time. First, the park was completely empty. We walked onto every ride and literally had the park to ourselves. The boys could run around and there was not a person in sight. We went with my old middle school team of teachers and their sweet munchkins and the kiddos had a blast. They ran amuck! 

The little lovebirds...

The Christmas decorations were great, especially at night! But the best part of it all was the Santa's village Sea World had created. The village was it's own separate area that had singing and dancing elves (one that Austin took quite a liking to), reindeer, Mrs. Claus, of course, the big guy himself, Santa! And coming from a mama of a very busy toddler, you are given a pager to see Santa so that you don't have to wait in a line and can wonder around the village area until it is your turn to see Santa. Once you were paged, we had a full 5 minute, private visit with Santa. And it was a good Santa! Andrew was able to tell him everything he wanted and Austin, well...Austin was not having anything to do with him! 

He ran right up to this little lady and clung onto her like she was family. What a flirt!!!

I wish I knew what he was thinking....

That is sheer panic on his face.

There is also a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer play area where you can meet the characters. The boys were apprehensive of the Abominable Snow Monster but loved Rudolph.

We will definitely be sure to add this to our holiday "must visit" place!