Welcome to SeaWorld Entertainment!

Indeed it's happening... The Roddy family is embarking on a new adventure! After four years here in Ohio, Jack has accepted a new role with SeaWorld Entertainment in Orlando. I don't think either of us imagined the path we'd embark on throughout his professional career which has included stops in NY, NJ, WA, CA (briefly), back to WA, OH, and now FL. But between the work experience he's received and the amazing collection of friends we've accumulated along the way it's all been worth it! What again started as a random call from a headhunter back in February has turned into a new and exciting opportunity that we are all looking forward to. Most the time when Jack gets a call about a job, I don't worry. I know he'll usually decline but I have learned over the years that for the few he entertains, I better brace myself as change is usually on the horizon! Sure enough, by mid June the family was on a flight out to Orlando for our first house hunting trip and Jack would begin work the following week! In hopes of making the transition easier on the kids, SeaWorld was kind enough to plan a couple park visit days for the family so the kids could have an idea of what a random weekend day could look like for them! They totally spoiled us and thankfully it worked because after spending almost a week in Orlando, the kids are sold...

Sadly the timing of this first house hunting trip was terrible as the week before there had been a couple tragic and very deadly shootings and the morning we flew out news broke that a poor toddler had been snatched by an alligator at one of the Disney Resorts. Although we were reminded each night of the tragic nightclub shooting out our window, we tried to not let that sour our visit. But I can't lie that every time we looked at a lake front house, alligators weren't on my mind...



We were so proud of the kids for being such troopers during our days out with the realtor. Unfortunately even though we kept increasing our budget, we just weren't finding homes we felt could qualify as "the one". We all agreed though that we were going to love the area and the proximity we had to all sorts of great beaches and activities but just needed to be patient in finding the perfect house. So to break up the house hunting for the kids we spent two fabulous days at the parks. They truly rolled out the red carpet for Jack giving us a personal tour guide who introduced us to everyone from marine biologists to personal animal trainers. We rode the roller coasters and watched the orca and dolphin shows. By far the part that touched us the most was seeing first hand all the good that SeaWorld does for the animals they rescue and care for. Truly remarkable. Sage couldn't get enough photos of the sweet turtles that had been rescued. Some had been hit by boats with messed up shells or missing flippers while others had gone blind and need help being fed. I think Sage has figured out what she wants to be when she gets older...



As it turned out we'd be in Orlando during Father's Day and what not a more perfect place to spend Jack's special day than at Discovery Cove. We had never heard of Discovery Cove until the interview process when Jack was getting himself familiar with all the SeaWorld parks. There is a reason Trip Advisor rates Discovery Cove as the #2 thing to do in all of Orlando, even beating out all the Disney Parks. It is fabulous!!! If SeaWorld could figure out a way to bring this park to every large city in America they'd be golden! It's basically an all inclusive beach resort situated in the middle of Orlando. You truly feel like you are on some isolated caribbean island when you walk through those gates!



After our guide got us fitted in wetsuits and situated in the cabana we were whisked off to our Sea Venture. This was a first for us!





After a fabulous time doing Sea Venture it was time to have a dolphin interaction...




After a yummy lunch we had a surprise visit with an armadillo, fed some birds in the bird aviary, got educated on sharks, and enjoyed a float around the lazy river...





Moving and transitioning into a new job is as stressful as it is exciting but these park visits sure made our introduction to Orlando a lot nicer. A shout out to SeaWorld for really making the week a special one. Although on this trip we didn't find that perfect house, I'm happy to report that on our second trip we found a great lot and a builder willing to get something built on it! So we are very happy about that!

It's hard to believe our time in Mason is coming to an end. Although Ohio was a difficult move for me originally, it has proven to be a fabulous place for our kids. They have thrived in the schools and only because of our move here did they become interested in swim and water polo. Jack was fortunate enough to be able to recruit several colleagues from prior jobs to come join us here in OH so we had an instant network of friends. Although we will miss them dearly we know that our paths will cross again. Aside from the friendships we established here, the one thing we will miss most is Jack's ten minute commute to work. It's not often you get to work in the same city you live in... But like all our previous moves, as difficult as the change has initially felt, the adventurous side of us looks forward to new opportunities, new friends, and new adventures! So Florida here we come...well...at least Florida, here Jack comes but the rest of us will be there in May and you can bet we'll be counting down each and every day until then!