We started Saturday out by having breakfast at Denny's. :)
This was also the first time Walker got to be totally in charge of himself. Even though Jared and I were there as chaperons.. that's all we were. We gave him envelopes for each day with money for breakfast, lunch, dinner and souvenirs but it was up to him to budget how he was going to spend it. He chose what to eat without mom and dad guiding him to healthier choices, and he had to make sure he had everything he needed for each and every day..no reminders from us. I think it was harder for me than for him. I'd catch myself about to say something and I'd have to zip my lip! LOL! And you know what? He did FANTASTIC!! There were times he wanted to buy more food than he had money for, but made choices so he wouldn't overspend. He wanted several souvenirs however, he realized if he got them all, he would end up using all of his food money. So he chose only a few things. ( We did have 2 kids in our group spend ALL of their food money on the last day to buy toys and had to call home to tell their parents what happened...not a fun phone call!)
He made sure he had his jacket, money, camera, etc without promptings from us. I was SO proud of him!!! It really helped me to see that he's becoming a very responsible young man! :D
So...after breakfast we headed to the harbor to take our whale watching tour. This was our favorite part of the trip!
We gathered around to meet our sea tour guide Jaime. (He's the guy in the cap.) He was really great!
After he gave us our instructions it was time to head down to the docks. Jared and some of the other chaperons trying to usher the kids in the right direction. :)
This was our vessel! :)
Once on the boat, the kids were all twittering with excitement!!
My handsome guys!
Look..I was there too. :P lol!
Jaime gathered the kiddos around to explain the safety rules real quick and then we were sailing the ocean blue! :)
I had some time so I took a few pics of the boat. :)
The kids walked around and checked out the boat too. It takes a while to get out to the open ocean.
Jaime gathered everyone around to help throw out a net to drag the ocean to see what kinds of creatures live down there. This was pretty cool!
Walker and Jared listening like good students. :P
Our AMAZING tour guide Autumn. :D
The kids helped pull the net back up. It was hard work! Then they gathered around to see what they caught.
Mmmm..Shrimp! :P