“Yes, and a lot of marine life that comes from that very ocean.” We finished eating and disposed of our trash. “Anywhere else you want to go today?”
“Can we put our stuff in the car and check out the shops along the boardwalk?”
“You bet.” We spent a couple of hours popping in and out of shops and picked up a couple of trinkets before we called it a day.
Jamie collapsed on the bed as I sat the bags down. “What a fantastic, relaxing day. You scheduled everything perfectly, Daddy. Is it okay if I go shower?”
“Silly boy, of course it is.” I’m sure he had sand in places he’d rather not mention. As I unpacked the shopping bags and repacked them in one suitcase, I was glad we each brought an extra one, though one of them was already filled with our new purchases, and we still had two more parks to visit. I set it aside and stepped into the shower as Jamie came out. As much as I love the ocean, it was nice to wash it off.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, sweet boy.” He had curled up with Sloffers in one of the hotel robes. Remote in hand, he flipped through the TV stations.
“Tonight, do you think we could order dessert and watch a movie and relax?”
“That sounds wonderful to me.” With the sweet treats ordered, I locked the balcony door and showered. By the time I got out it was delivered and we curled up in bed with our goodies and started the movie. Halfway through it though, we both passed out.
Vacations were meant for resting so falling asleep at eight thirty was justified.
Right?
“What time does SeaWorld open, Daddy?’
“Well, good morning to you too, sunshine.” I tickled him for emphasis. “Is somebody excited?”
“Very, Daddy. But I’m hungry too.”
“Let’s get dressed and eat in the café before we head out, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.” His little ass darted over to the dresser, humming as he got dressed. Once the sloth backpack was in place he was ready to roll and waiting by the door. My silly little excited boy.
We had a wonderful breakfast and were more than ready to walk it off. Our first stop once we entered the park was to check in for the Sloth encounter. By the time we got to thearea where they held it, Jamie was so excited he could hardly stand still.
“Hello everyone, and welcome. My name is Carrie, and I will be your SeaWorld Ambassador today for the Sloth encounter. Who’s excited?”
All the kids cheered, including Jamie.
“That’s great. The sloth is one of my favorite animals, but they sleep a lot, so please don’t yell and wake them up. You don’t want to scare them, do you?”
“No.” The group whispered.
“Very good. And while you are allowed to take pictures and stand close, you are not allowed to touch them. Let’s form a line and please, follow me inside.”
The sloth enclosure filled withoohsandaahsas the kids glanced up and saw the sloths up in the trees. “Now, who can tell me why sloths spend the majority of their time hanging upside down?”
One boy around the age of ten raised his hand. “Because it’s more comfortable for them.”
“That is the condensed version, but yes. The way their internal organs are situated it’s a much more comfortable position for them to be in.”
“Did you know Sloth’s basically have their own ecosystem within their fur?” She asked them.
Jamie gazed up at me as though asking if I knew and I winked.
“It’s called a microcosm. Algae, insects, and fungi grow within their fur. Not only does the Sloth provide an ideal environment for them to flourish in, but the sloth also benefits from it as well.”
“Come on through and take as many pictures as you’d like. Feel free to ask anyone wearing the same uniform as me any questions you may have.”
We found one hanging just above Jamie’s height and moved toward it. “Daddy, take lots of pictures. I need the perfect one to frame for my playroom.” I took far too many, but he’d have several to choose from.
