San Diego Wild Animal Safari

Hopping on the Lilly pads.

Peek-a-boo

Look closely and you can see two beautiful butterfly heads. Madelyn and Mommy

Madelyn had an obsession with sitting in this chair. Everything we passed one, she HAD to sit in it!

Can you see the giraffes in the center of the hills.

Grammie and Madelyn on the tram

All part of the open Safari park--its huge! Notice the observation balloon. For some obscene of money you can venture up into the atmosphere to get an eagle's view of the park. Looked cool of course, but why risk plummeting to your death?

My goofy kid--she must get it from her daddy.

Feeding time. The tallest giraffe (dad) was 21ft. This was the first time the youngest baby giraffe born at 6 feet ate with the herd.

Aunt Nessa and Madelyn cooled off in the splash park.

Madelyn would just giggle each time she got slobbered on!

"Hi little fellow, aren't you just the cutest little dear!-Madelyn

Vanessa taming her wild jaguar

After driving about 35 minutes the east from San Diego, we went from breezy balmy temperatures to an insanely hot valley. The temperature went from the low 72 to over hundred in the shade and its was super humid and HOT. I should have known that Safari meant hot, but I didn't think they meant Texas hot. Despite the heat, we really enjoyed the day. The park is spread out nicely and had many Preschool friendly features to entertain Madelyn. The hardest part for Madelyn was leaving the park sans seeing Baby Jaguar". Had to convince her that Baby Jaguar was waiting for her at the Zoo. But while we where there we witness the miracle of life of an Australian Deengo-- it looked like a miniature deer--super cute! The more fascinating part of the day was going down the Great Rift Valley and onto the Savanna and the petting zoo. The tram ride was about an hour and brought us almost nose to nose with some of God's most magnificent creatures. The seeing the Giraffes in their natural habit that up close was amazing. There are so many different types and kinds of species of animals that I never knew about, all contained in the vast reserve. It gave me a new respect and appreciation for the animal conservation and education the park is providing. And realize that I prefer activities that are in close proximity to the shoreline.

The Booty Dance

Pair of red heels, a large mirror and one dancing Madelyn and what do you get---the Booty Dance!

Sunset Cliffs

After a breezy and fun filled day, Vanessa topped off our evening with a visit to Sunset Cliffs and it was beautiful and very COLD! I loved it! Watching the sun set was very serene and reminded me how grateful I am of God's creations. The temperature dropped as the sun was setting and made it to cold for Madelyn to enjoy. But she did get a kick out of watching the surfers and the seals.

LEGOland California

The park had the coolest feature where you would stomp on the yellow circles and that would prompt that musical instrument to play music and squirt water. It was so cool to get everyone stomping at the same time.

Madelyn's first Helicopter ride.



Look at her face.

The Fireman's ride required that you lever push and pull the fire engine to the fire and then pump and aim the water at targets in the house. Madelyn did very well aiming the water and so how my mom lucked out as Vanessa and I did all the pumping.

Aunt Nessa and Maddie rode the Red Barron

Madelyn took Grammie for a boat ride.

Madelyn loved her first log ride and squealed down each hill.

We were all hands up for the Log Ride

The cruise around the park to see some of the world's most famous icons.

Vanessa gracing the front of the Sydney Opera House

Taj Mahal

Mount Rushmore with George Washington getting his ear cleaned out with a Q-Tip.

New York Skyline

Vanessa challenged me to a round of miniature golf and I won!!! don't worry Nessa, I am not gloating!

LEGOland Sea Life Aquarium

Shark Nursery--look close there are baby sharks in the pouches

Madelyn and Vanessa touching starfish in the tide pool.

I love her little but when she would look through the port holes

A Chocolate chip starfish, its true species name

Aunt Nessa in the pop-up bubbles in the middle of the aquarium.