Hubby Appreciation Day

When I asked if my kids wanted to go to Sea World while visiting family in San Diego recently, I expected them to be interested, but their excitement was overwhelming.  Although I balked at the price of admission ($56 -- much more expensive than during my younger years when grandma and grandpa would take us) I was also excited at sharing a place I'd enjoyed as a child.  Every year we try to visit a different attraction and this year, even though we would be going without hubby (who had to work), we were determined to do the same.

Since Sea World was offering a Buy 1 Day and Get a 2nd Free, it made for a great deal in the end.  We went on two separate days during our trip ... allowing for some rest in between.  My daughter loved the dolphin and whale shows, not to mention the Pets Rule! show which highlights animals rescued from shelters and taught to perform tricks.  My son, more of the hands-on type, enjoyed touching the bat rays and feeding the dolphins.  He also loved every minute inside each aquarium we visited at the park.  he wanted to read every exhibit and learn about every creature.

When my son fed the dolphins I knew it was a memory he wouldn't soon forget.  How often does someone get to do such a thing?  He had listened carefully to the staff and knew to pet them before offering the fish so they wouldn't just swim away.  Yes, he was bribing them for attention, but it was for the experience of touching a creature of which he might not otherwise have any firsthand knowledge.

I just felt so lucky that I was able to show them these things, let them experience these things.  Without my husband there it felt incomplete, but I know he wanted us to do this.  I transformed my guilt into appreciation for the opportunities he'd given us: visiting a new baby nephew, enjoying the San Diego Zoo, visiting other educational attractions like Balboa park's museums, and enjoying the company of my other family members.  We truly enjoyed those moments ... and we have my dear hubby to thank for that.