Next we made our way to the Coral Reef. We ate there last year and it was DH favorite restaurant. This year we returned to celebrate Faith's 4th birthday.
Earlier in the day Faith had gotten a birthday button and got to hear Goofy wish her a Happy Birthday.
When we arrived at Coral Reef it was already pretty busy (free dining). We ended up only waiting about 5 minutes before our pager went off to be seated. As we were following the hostess I was trying not to get my hopes up too high for a good table. Our hostess passed the 3rd level seating and I was already happy. (Last year we sat 3rd level). Then she passed the 2nd level.
We followed her all the way to the front, middle, glass front table.
Wow, it is amazing and a whole different experience dining that close. When we were seated the girls each got a special menu made especially for them with their pictures. Hope especially was confused by this.
DD7's menu said, "Surprise Hope, Love Mom and Dad". DD4's menu said, "Happy Birthday Faith, Love Mom and Dad". I can't say enough about how impressed I am with Coral Reef for putting that all together.
The girls each ordered the kids smoothie drink.
We had so much fun watching the acquarium up close. There was a sting ray that stopped next to our table and seemed to be observing us the whole time. We loved seeing the shark, the big tortouse, and all the amazing different kinds of fish up close.
Faith informed me that she needed to use the restroom and I did not want to leave. I was so afraid we would miss a special surprise I had arranged for her. I reluctantly hurried her off the the restroom.
Not long after returning DH took the video camera out to record for a little bit. And it worked out great because as he was recording DD7 talking, DD4 and I happened to notice two divers getting in at the far end. I was hoping that this was the moment that all my obsessive planning pays off. DH has great video as they slowly swim toward us and of what happens next!
Video (Oh Pickles, I can't get it to upload yet. But check back, because I will get it done tomorrow hopefully).
Faith was a little intimidated so would not sit up on the ledge for a picture but I got this great picture of her with the divers. They even took their masks off for the pic.
They were sooo great.
They waved at both girls. The male diver pretended a starfish was eating him. They held up the Happy Birthday sign for Faith and blew kisses. They then picked up the seashells and threw them like confetti. Everyone in the restaurant thought it was so sweet.
Faith seemed a bit confused by it at first but puffed up more and more as she took in what happened. Later as we left the restaurant she would tell me, "Mom, this was my best birthday ever."
Of course dinner arrived. DH loves their steak.
It is very good. I had the grilled Mahi Mahi. Yum. Oh, we both had their key lime pie for dessert. Double yum. It truely is great food. The girls each had the make-your-own-sundaes.
We took our time and were not hurried at all.
In fact as we ate dinner they were doing some diver class so we got to see lots of divers go by for quite a while. That was very entertaining for the girls as well. We left a great tip but I really felt like it should go the the restaurant manager who helped put together our great evening. Two thumbs up.
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