A Dream come True at the Zoo

If you know me at all, you know I love zoos. And if you really know me (or read the prior post) you know I've always wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo. So, naturally, when we planned this trip a visit to the zoo was a must. Our friends understood, so they went golfing/shopping while Brandon and I  had a date to the zoo. What a guy!. :)

Don't mind all the pictures; we took lots of pictures and videos for the girls since we knew they were just a wee bit jealous.

 

One of the main things I wanted to see were the pandas, so we headed there first. I was expecting a long wait to see them, but we were able to walk right in. I discovered this was a great time to visit the zoo; it wasn't busy at all!

Here are the pretty pandas!

 Red Panda

 This little guy was so cute just munching on his stick.

 There were two polar bears that were so entertaining. I was standing right by the glass watching it swim right in front of me.

 There were several elephants, and one had us chucking as he gave himself a shower with his trunk and water.

 Seeing both types of camels made me realize how different they really looked.

 Cute koalas

 A zoo isn't complete without giraffes - a baby giraffe is a bonus!

 One of the many pretty, different flowers.

 We watched some vets work on this rhino's foot.

 There were flamingos at a couple of different locations, and I never knew I could laugh so much at these pink birds.

 My favorite animal is the orangutan, so when I saw a young one swinging about, I just couldn't get enough. Truly - doesn't sound like something a grown woman my age should love, but I do.

 I didn't think the baby orangutan could be topped, but it may have been. We were looking at the gorillas and about to walk away, when we saw one walking towards us. Looking closer, we saw a baby on the mother's back. She walked right over to the glass where I was standing, sat down and nursed that baby right in front of me. I can't begin to describe the cuteness.

 

 

 We took a video of this monkey for Maisie. It was like he was putting on a show for us.

We took this picture for Sadie because she affectionately calls these "booboo cars."

We spent several hours walking all over the beautiful zoo, enjoying time together on a perfect day. I was a bit concerned the zoo may not live up to my childhood dreams and expectations. I've been to the Omaha Zoo several times, and some people actually like that zoo better. Was I disappointed? Absolutely not. What I loved about this zoo was not only the unique animals, but I loved how every exhibit was outside, and the animals are active all day long. The Omaha Zoo is great, but there are many indoor exhibits, and the animals are active in the morning when it's still cool.

It was a dream come true, and God made it everything I had always hoped it would be.

 

We met up with our friends for dinner. We drove the scenic route to La Jolla where we ate dinner at a high end, highly recommended on Trip Advisor, restaurant. It did not disappoint; both the company and food were great.

As we left, Brandon had to capture this car.

I know when I look back over 2015, this day will be one of my top memories!

 



Sunny San Diego

I've always wanted to go to San Diego. There's always been something appealing to me about that city. I think it started when I was a kid because of the zoo. Enter two good couple friends from church who have wanted us three couples to go on a trip someday.  Our time finally arrived this year. Back in the fall when SWA had really good rates, we scheduled a trip to San Diego! I can't tell you how much I looked forward to this trip; truly, in the thick of subbing and going all the time, I just kept reminding myself that I had this getaway on the horizon.

Finally, March came and so did our trip. We dropped off the girls to grandma and grandpa on a Weds afternoon and drove to Denver. We got up early on Thursday for our direct flight to San Diego. (God was so gracious and gave Brandon a seat that had no seat in front of him. Leg room!)

We landed in sunny and warm California! Ahhh- palm trees, colorful flowers and warm temps.

After getting the rentals, we had made our first stop to In and Out Burger. My first experience was a good one!

From there we went to Balboa Park where we simply walked around and enjoyed the scenery. (And honestly - not having any kids! :))

 Palm trees are my favorite tree - because if I see one, I'm someplace warm and sunny!

 Coming from dreary and cold Nebraska, the colors just popped out to me, and I treasured it.

 

 

 My friend, L, spent all sorts of her time looking for hotels, and she did great choosing the Hyatt at Mission Bay. Our room was on the 16th floor.

 We spent time walking around the piers, and my hubby had to take a picture of the biggest boat/yacht there.

 The view from our breakfast room. So pretty.

 

We freshened up for dinner and drove across the bridge to Coronado Island for a delicious meal overlooking the bay and the skyline.  

After dinner we drove over to the famous hotel "The Del" where we walked around at dusk/nightfall. Don't mind me when I say there was something romantic about it.

 Our friends, probably laughing at me because I pulled out a real camera. :)

A full moon on the beach - loved it.

 Someone spent six hours building this amazing castle.

 See that big smile? It's because I am on the beach at night; I think the last time I was on a beach at night was in high school.

 Inside one of the banquet halls.

That night we all went to bed tired from a long day, but with grateful hearts and anticipation for more fun to come.



School Music Programs

The girls had their school music programs on two different nights in February.  I love to watch these and appreciate all the time their music teacher invests in it.  Watching kids on stage makes me smile. Each group of classes had songs with a patriotic theme; there was something special hearing kids sing about our country. I hope we don't lose this in the coming generations.

This year was a little bittersweet knowing it was Analise's last elementary music program.

Sadie had a little line this year, and she wasn't nervous.

Maisie sang with a few other girls at the microphone.

 

Sadie with her sweet teacher, Ms. V

 Our lovely 5th grader after her last elementary school program

 So fun to see Aaron and Analise on stage together

 

Analise's Birthday Part 2

Part of Analise's birthday dinner with the family was asking her some questions. Here's what everyone learned about her that night.

 

Where do you like to go in the car?

To the lake or Fort Wayne

 

If you could go anywhere on a trip, where would you like to go?

San Diego

 

Who is someone you trust and why?

Mom because she's my mom.

 

What is your favorite outfit?

Sweatshirts and comfy pants because they are warm, and you can run around in them.

 

What is one of your favorite memories with Uncle D and Aunt S?

Having a sleepover with Aaron.

 

Instrument she'd like to play?

Trombone - because she likes the sound, and it slides out.

(Since this time, she has decided she wants to play the drums.)

 

Most disgusting thing you've eaten?

Pickles or blueberries

 

What was the nicest thing someone has done for you?

Taken her to Disney World

 

How do we know you're happy?

She smiles

 

Worst smell?

Ummm...we'll just stay something "gassy."

Best smell?

Vanilla (and she must always smell it when we bake.)

 

Favorite Restaurant

Fazoli's because of the breadsticks

 

The other part of our time together was having everyone share something they love about Analise, along with some type of blessing/prayer for her in the coming year.  These were all very sweet and tender.

 

Uncle D

Loves how she plays nicely with her cousins.

Hopes she can find/interact with new friends next year

 

Aunt S

Loves how Analise lights up around her cousins, and thinks it's sweet when she texts them.

She hopes that next year her school schedule will allow her to see Kaleb at school.

 

Kaleb

Thinks Analise is a great role model because she is nice, polite, happy and fun

He thinks it will be fun to see her at school next year.

 

Sadie

Enjoys playing games with Analise, and hopes she has a good birthday

 

Braylen

Analise is always smiling and happy.

Hopes Analise has a good transition to middle school

 

Pam

I shared with Analise how much fun she is to hang out with; whether it's shopping or cooking in the kitchen, she's simply fun to be with.

I honestly can't remember now what my prayer/blessing was for her. Geesh - this is why I write things down.

 

Brandon

Loves Analise's sensitive heart

And he hopes that Analise claims God as her own and serves Him

 

Aaron

Analise is always smiling

Hopes she gets to see Kaleb next year at school

 

Grandpa

Likes how Analise thinks outside the box and thinks on her own

Hopes she will find God at middle school next year

 

Maisie

Appreciates how Analise never gets mad when she talks to her while she's doing her homework

And then she hopes Analise will talk more instead of reading.  :)

 

Grandma

Loves how Analise is inquisitive, loves to learn, reads a lot, loves to cook

She hopes Analise will learn a lot in volleyball this year, continue to grow and not get frustrated.