Cold Evening at the WAP

Donald, Emma and I have been taking advantage of the long evening hours at the Wild Animal Park. We took the new tour ride they have for the first time and we were incredibly disappointed. Emma still enjoyed herself, but you wont find us waiting in a long line to ride this ever! If there isn't a line I would take Emma again, but it's not worth the wait like the old monorail. Not every update is an improvement.

Emma did enjoy the ride and getting to see all the animals that as we veteran park people know, only get more active in the evenings .
We were glad we brought our coats! It got brisk. I forgot to turn on my flash until the end. But Emma still looks cute!!


I have to say that the only thing I miss other than the incredible friendships I made working for the Zoo and Wild Animal Park is the unique experiences I got with exotic animals. During my time there I got to feed a cheetah, play with a baby ankole cow, pet a hedgehog, talk to Marc Eco at a press conference, spend a weekend with Betsy Fowler, and so much more. But one of my favorite moments was when Mike and I were on our way down to Heart of Africa one night after the park had closed in one of the employee carts. It was a very hot day and the sun was just starting to set and the sprinklers came on right where a crash of rhinos were laying and they all got up and started jumping through the sprinklers like a group of preschoolers. Mike and I stopped and just watched, it was times like that I knew there was no place like this on earth.

Walking The Dog

Part of our house sitting duties include taking care of Aunt Andra's dog that lives with Grandma and Grandpa. Sassy is some mix breed which includes Pomeranian and pekingese even though lots of people think she is part Papillon. Emma loves getting to do the afternoon walks and holding the leash for Sassy. We are not convinced that Sassy prefers this, but they both seem to be getting a bit more use to each other.

I have read over and over again Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy hoping that Emma will understand that Sassy is not a dog for little girls, but it just doesn't seem to sink in.



Every day Emma has something new she wants to wear or take with her on her walk. This day it was her jewels.




Of course there is always time to check out a trail of ants or pick flowers.

Afternoon at the Wild Animal Park

Best laid plans and all, Emma did not take a nap after a very exhausting morning in Balboa Park. So after some time of listening to her play in her crib we decided to go to the Wild Animal Park. It was almost 4 when we arrived but the good news was that they were going to be open til 7! They had spring break hours going on so we were all to happy to take advantage and off to the hiking trail we went.

We could hardly wait to get Emma on the suspension bridge and do a bit of jumping. Oh what fun we have had on this bridge over the years. Donald actually got my sister Bernadette to catch air a few years back.
It was a really warm day, but the walk/running did us good.

Emma and Donald looking down at the park.

And Emma and I playing on the lily pads.
It was a fun afternoon. We got to see loads of old co-workers and it was great fun having Emma meet so many wonderful people. And as always sharing a place with her that has meant so much to us over the years.

Morning at Balboa Park

Donald thought it would be a great idea to go and check out the Science Fair at Balboa Park, but got the dates mixed up so we were there one Saturday too soon (that's okay because we did go the following Saturday pictures to come). Mike joined us and we had a blast. We rode the little red trolley all over the park and walked everywhere. Emma brought along her Jess Brown doll she has named Emma.

Emma loved the trolley ride and kept saying "this is really cool!"



We got off down by the Aerospace Museum and stopped off to have lunch at the Hall of Fame. Never eat there it was horrible, we usually go to Waters next to the San Diego Museum of Art which is exceptional and will never stray again.



At the Japanese Tea House
We did stop and have some tea which we highly recommend, all my years of of going and enjoying hot or cold tea, I have never had a bad cup.

The small fountain behind the Prado.

We were on our way back to the car to get Emma home for her nap when we heard bagpipes start up so went back to see. I was glad we did..We love the bagpipes and it's always a thrill to see a bit of Scotland heritage especially with such young men. Emma even did a little jig.
We had no idea that River Dance is genetic. We love our little Scottish Girl!!

St Patrick's Day

We didn't do much in the way of celebrating the Roman Catholic Feast of St Patrick this year. Usually my dad makes an unbelievably tasty corn beef with mash potatoes and cabbage. But since he lives in Colorado and we are in California we missed out. Emma and I went to Balboa Park in the morning and then had lunch with Daddy. In the afternoon I took these pictures of Emma in the back garden. My good friend Julie made this lovely dress for Emma and I thought it was perfect to wear on this day since Julie's husband is from Ireland. We didn't attend church since it isn't a holy day of obligation unless you live in Ireland.



Fun Fact
So where does the 3 leaf clover come in ... Legend credits St. Patrick with teaching the Irish about the concept of the Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a 3-leaved clover, using it to highlight the Christian belief of 'three divine persons in the one God'

Seaport Village

A few weekends back Donald and I decided to be a bit of a tourist and take Emma to Seaport Village. I use to spend a lot of time there drawing people, but this time it was my camera I lugged around and happily so. We had a really wonderful morning. There was an outdoor exhibit of art globes on display which were really fun to look at, as well as all the other fun things the area has to offer.

Emma loved looking out into the bay at all the sailboats, and kept telling us that they all belonged to Grandpa.

It didn't take long for her to spot the fire trucks. She got a big kick out of them and their size until she turned around and saw a giant ship going by and took off running.

She really loves the sailboats and we are looking forward to Grandpa's return from vacation in hopes that she will get to go for a sail with him.


At last we ended up at the carousel which was really exciting to Emma. She hasn't ever been on one of this size and she could hardly wait for her turn. Donald and I got really dizzy, but she loved every minute!

A bit of local playground fun

Emma loves going to playgrounds, unfortunately I haven't been able to find any close to grandma and grandpa's house that have lots of children playing at them. So we usually end up at a playground in Balboa Park or Mission Beach. But when there just isn't enough time to drive we go the the park next to the house. Never any kids but as long as someone is willing to jump in and play with Emma she'll have fun. Usually that means me, but when Daddy or Grandpa decided to go along, then that just means even more fun for our little girl.

Morning in the Park

Right at the end of winter Emma and I spent a lovely morning in Balboa Park and the Zoo. It was early enough that it was like having the park to ourselves. We sat and had coffee at the big water fountain by the space museum and then took a stroll back to the car before heading to the zoo.

On the way to the car a man was playing "Here Comes the Sun" on his guitar, Emma of course had to stop and dance and clap until he was finished.


When we got to the Zoo I thought it would be a great idea to take the Skyfari over to the polar bears. The last time I rode it was when my sister and I were at the Zoo for Celebration for the Critters (a really fantastic fundraiser for CRES) with a bit to much to drink. It was night time and we laughed the whole way. So I though it may have been a few years but I can do it...Really bad idea, I'm teriffied of heights and this sky ride is very shaky at best! Apparently the drinks I had the last time were more help than I realized, so I decided we would walk back.

I couldn't even look up to try to get a good shot of Emma, this was the best one. She was loving every minute other than the death grip I had on her :)

We finally made it to the polar bears and when my shaking stopped I was able to get in a few last pictures before the long trek back to the car.