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Cupcakes has been such an easy baby that Mama did not think about how Cupcakes could fall through the ropes into the dolphin tank until one of the uncles asked about it – oops.

Auntie Brooke's Dolphin Adventure

Auntie Brooke got to really swim with the dolphins! She had so much fun and wanted to do more! Sitting in the water with the arms outstretched signaled for the dolphin to come with the belly up to pull you to shore. The group also got to listen to dolphins and watch them do flips under water – neat!

Dolphin Encounter II

The first picture?! Half of the people did not want to get in the water. Uh oh, Mama started guessing what was going to happen. The trainer had the dolphin spray us!

Cupcakes usually uses her pacifier when she sleeps, but she was only half awake. She looked like she was actually getting into petting the dolphin in the last picture. Mama asked that the trainer to let Cupcakes pet the dolphin once since she stayed an observer most of the time, so the trainer let us all pet the dolphin a few more times. Mama lowered Cupcakes each of those times.

Seeing the pictures, Mama realized that while monitoring her own comfort in the cold water, holding half-awake Cupcakes, making sure that Cupcakes was comfortable in the life jacket that was a little too long for her torso, enjoying the experience as much as possible herself, involving Cupcakes in the experience and monitoring Cupcakes' comfort, she had no idea how Cupcakes was really doing in the pool. The pictures really captured Mama's experience. Thank you very much for these precious pictures, Uncle Chris!

Dolphin Encounter

The Sea Life Park website reads:

The Dolphin Encounter is an interactive program designed for the highest level of participant comfort.

From a waist deep platform guests can caress, kiss and observe the dolphins while they perform high energy tricks.

For those that feel comfortable the program also offers the opportunity to move off the platform into slightly deeper water to participate in some fun activities while swimming with the dolphins.

Cupcakes fell asleep in Mama's lap just before it was time to get in the pool. Mama waited for the about 30 people to get in the pool before waking Cupcakes up. Mama was too chicken to get in the cold water with half-awake Cupcakes. Mama remained standing.

Dolphin tummy felt like nylon. Dolphins have belly buttons, too, if Mama remembered correctly. The top felt like delicate wet rubber. We got to pet a whole lot, give a kiss and "dance" with dolphins.

Thank you sooo much for making this possible, Auntie Brooke. Being in the water with dolphins has been a dream of Mama's for a long time. Mama knows that there will be a next time if she'd like to repeat the experience!

Thank you so much for taking these great pictures, Uncle Eric!

Gorgeous dolphins

Uncle Chris took these great pictures. Thank you for sharing!

Dolphin show

Other children captured Cupcakes' attention more than the dolphins at times. She caught some actions now that she will look at what Mama points at – sometimes takes a while for her to figure out what exactly Mama is pointing at. The dolphins entertained and impressed the rest of us well. Mama "won" by having taken the picture of Scottie in the air.

Sea lions

The sea lions were active! There was a sea lions show that we didn't go to, and they also have swim with sea lions!

Touch Tank

We must have spent more than half an hour at the touch tank. Whose idea was it? Auntie Brooke!

Mama picked up a shell and jumped when the hermit crab came out. She was more or less expecting a snail (to not come out – or for anything to not come out when picked up in any case – so much for her childhood experiences).

Auntie Brooke had fun feeling the sea cucumber and wanted to pick one up (but not out of the water) for Cupcakes. She was so proud when she did it. See that big grin on her face?!

Auntie Brooke warmed Cupcakes up to the touch tank after Cupcakes felt the sea cucumber. She enjoyed splashing the water around – much like she does in the tub at home.

We had to go to get ready for the dolphin show. What is it like to have a job that involves standing in the middle of the touch tank and chase after the baby shark for show?

Everyone was great about carrying Cupcakes in the park. Thank you very much!!