First day in Islamorada, Florida and we definitely made the most of it. I think we were inspired by the 75 degree weather since we left behind a foot of snow and Boston is getting another significant snow fall tonight. We were out bright and early to get breakfast at Mangrove Mikes where we ate a delicious breakfast. Then, we headed off to the Theater of the Sea which is where Brian and I swam with the dolphins many many years ago. Upon arrival, we were given the schedule and never looked back. First stop the Sea Lion show.
This is Wilbur who showed us lots of tricks. My favorite was how he could differentiate between ice and jello. It was amazing.
Garrett couldn't get enough of Sherry so he got to pet Sherry's underside which he described as a really smooth pancake.
Emily and Garrett even volunteered to throw rings onto Wilbur's neck and they were successful.
The show was so entertaining that the kids were enthralled the whole time.
We also met Jet the female sea lion who was very cute. Next stop the bottomless boat which took us along the lagoon to see the dolphins up close and personal and other wildlife. During our boat ride the dolphins were too busy playing with themselves to entertain us but they made up for that later. We saw some enormous iguanas sitting up in trees and pelicans as well. We then went on a nature walk which allowed us to walk along the pools that hold the dolphins. We were able to see the female pool which housed the 49 year old Sherry and two other females which included the 2 month old baby Niki.
And we found ourselves within inches of the largest iguana I have ever seen.
In case that doesn't do it justice. Here is another view.
The final stop of the nature walk was a lagoon you could swim in with loads of parrot fish. The kids opted to feed the fish but it was hard to hold Garrett back from actually getting in.
On to see the sea turtles, sharks, crocodiles, alligators, birds and so much more. Connor was very excited to see the Parrot show which entailed the parrots doing tricks including balancing on a barrel, put shapes in the proper holes and even did math problems involving a bell.
The dolphin show was next on our stop. The dolphins are so well trained showing us amazing jumps, responses to hand signals and made their amazing noises. Here is the dolphin flipping with the trainer.
Finally the big event. The boys were able to meet the dolphins. In a small group they were able to go out on the dock with the trainer. First they were introduced to the dolphin, Sherry who allowed them to touch her top side.
Then the boys each have Sherry a signal - Connor made the okay symbol with his hands and splashed in he water and Sherry made crying noises.
Their relationship was sealed with a kiss.
Garrett held his hands up and wiggled his fingers which made Sherry sing.
Garrett got a kiss too. Right to his ear which Garrett thought was hysterical and wet.
For the final request, Connor asked Sherry for something to bring home by making a swiping motion with his hand. Sherry usually brings back a mangrove seed for visitors so the trainer was shocked when she came back with a special piece of coral for Connor. The trainer was amazed and said this was the first time she ever brought something. Like that back. That is a huge honor and hopefully Connor realizes what a big deal that was.
What a great adventure today. Then we headed back to our hotel where everyone had a different idea of what they wanted to do. Connor, Garrett and I hit the golf course. To say that Connor was a natural, I couldn't believe it. Garrett did fantastic as well and mommy was just plain awful. We had a blast playing all 9 holes.
In the meantime, Daddy, Grandpa and Emily went to the beach to make sand castles. It was then time for dinner and to call it a night. It was truly a successful day!
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