Whaling along...

Last week the boys and a whole bunch of fun home-school folk went Whale Watching down in Newport Harbor.

If anything, out of all our little excursions with our group the boy's are really learning patience.

L. D'Alessandro is our newest addition to our group. The boy's and I are thrilled to have our cousin (and sister) along for all our adventures. L looks absolutely beautiful as she's taking in the vast sea that her creator made. It was a beautiful day.

K was super excited about taking his "onoculars" with him to see all the sea animals. We had a hot spot standing in the front of the boat as we came out of the harbor.

Unfortunately, J unknowingly gave his hat as a donation to the dolphin habitat. One good gust of wind came and swept it away.

As we were traveling at slow speed we took some time to take some pics.

N and L ready for our little excursion!

Momma and J staying close, not to mention warm.

And Mr Cool K whale and dolphin searching

"Gilligan" aka J got more and more comfortable, hence his pose.

We were able to see sea lions, two different types of dolphins and one shy grey whale. Whales at this time are heading up to the arctic and travel 8-10 MPH in the shallow waters. It was amazing that the real Skipper could tell the presence of a whale by the calm looking waters. At which we slowed down and quieted the boat to see a baby grey whale.
The boy's enjoyed the dolphins that swam along side the boat for a majority of the time.

And the "Skipper" aka K was getting tired of saying "cheese"

I would have to say my favorite part of that whole adventure was towards the end of the trip on our way back to the harbor and the boy's and I sat cuddled on a bench (I was cuddling so I couldn't take a pic). As we sat there the boy's and I looked over the horizon of the sea and I explained what an island was, since Catalina was clearly visible, we talked about the earth and if it was round or flat, we talked about who made the ocean and all it's living creatures. 

And as I thought I was teaching, I sat amazed that my God made this; this vast, enormous, beautiful ocean was made by my God. Then it took me to the parable in Matthew8:23-27 when the "great tempest arose on the sea" and the disciples woke Jesus thinking they were on the brink of death and Jesus asked "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" (That's definitely me at times), then Jesus calmed the sea and the disciples marveled at Him saying "Who can this be, that even the winds and sea obey Him?" I took a minute to look out into the endless sea and thought "My God has control of this entire sea and I question His ability to control my life?". I was humbled and convicted all in one, but comforted in the hope that my boy's will cling to the knowledge and faith that their Father in Heaven has the power to control their lives if they (I) just let Him.

This is when you know the kids are pooped and ready to go home.