Sailing with the Dolphins

On Tuesday, we had an opportunity that we could never have imagined we would have. Our friends here in Dana Point, Jesse, Elyse, Craig, Dan, and Captain Bill(as we call him) took us sailing in the ocean. None of us have ever done anything like this before nor did we expect we ever would be able to. Isaiah had been asking all week, "Mommy, I go on a big boat?" My usual answer to him to get him to stop asking me the same question over and over again is, "sometime, Isaiah, sometime." Well, on Tuesday, he got his wish.

This is the boat that we went out on.

The weather was beautiful, sunny but also windy so that we could put up the sails and let it go. The kids were so excited to see the bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms below the deck. One of their favorite things was going to the bathroom down below while we were sailing. It is the little things, people, that really thrill my children.

The kids were a little fearful and hesitant at first, not sure what to expect, but as we headed out, they became more comfortable and settled in. Then, the really cool part was to go to the front and watch as we sailed.

I loved watching as the guys raised the sails and talked in their sailing language. It is a whole new thing to me. Having extra sets of hands to help out with the kids was also such a blessing. It allowed both Rick and me to experience everything fully as well.

Rick, Sam, and Isaiah at the front of the boat.

Abby has not wanted her picture taken lately. Oh, well, then I will take it like this.

Lauren chilling in her seat.

Family sailing picture

Captain Isaiah steering the boat. (By the way, this kid talked non stop the whole time.)

Laila was our little "marshmallow girl" in her life jacket.

The most amazing part of the whole ride was the dolphins. We found a pod of dolphins. There were hundreds of them swimming alongside us, jumping out the water, and coming so close we could almost touch them. It was incredible to see. We felt very blessed that we had the opportunity to see them. That is something we will never forget.

I found myself feeling a tad bit seasick. Nothing horrible, just a little nausea with a bit of a headache. I went below deck to take Isaiah to the bathroom and that really made me feel sick. I couldn't stay down there very long. Once we found the dolphins, I forgot all about any sick feelings.

At one point, Cody was at the front of the boat and got soaked by the water splashing up. He didn't go back to that spot again!!

Sam was quite the sailor. He connected with sailing more than any of the other kids.

At one point, he came to me and said, "Mom, I have decided I want to be a sailor when I grow up." Before today he was deciding between policeman and football player.

These pictures do not do the experience of seeing the dolphins justice.

Some seals hanging out.

More dolphin viewing

We just can't thank our "sailing crew" enough for giving us this adventure. It was fun to spend the day with you. I think our whole family agrees that sailing is awesome!!