San Diego Zoo

We had big plans to take Edward's parents to the San Diego Zoo during their visit. Unfortunately, really bad weather in San Diego, a rarity, struck us. While we didn't get to visit the zoo with them, we were able to go the next morning after taking them to the airport. The kids and I had been to the zoo before, but Edward had never been. We bought year passes our last visit since they were less than the cost of two day tickets (and you got two more day tickets free). Madison and I were the only ones who had to buy tickets. Luke is still free, and thumbs up to the San Diego Zoo who let active duty military in free everyday, making Edward free, so this visit was pretty cheap! We had a lot of fun with the kids at the zoo and look forward to return trips.

Dec. 23, San Diego Zoo, around 50 degrees

Our new stroller has been very popular with Madison who now enjoys riding in a stroller again, for the moment.

Luke was very excited for our zoo visit.

The kids thought the climbing monkeys were hilarious.

Random birds walking throughout the zoo

...and getting something to drink

Yea, the pandas! We found out on our last visit they were to return to China, but an earthquake earlier this year has them in San Diego indefinitely.

Lunchtime for the pandas

As we walked up to the bears, we got to witness a bear fight! We were very excited, and I tried my best to capture it on camera.

This was the highlight for Edward and me (yeah, we're pretty sad, I know!).

The boys having fun

Luke really had a good day and totally got into looking at all of the animals.

"Birds" of a different kind-one of our favorite flowers-we had these at our house in Ft. Lauderdale, Birds of Paradise

The koala and her baby

We were pleased to see Edward's "bird" is not threatened.

There's Edward's bird!

Beautiful and unique duck

A VERY rare happening-Madison was in a pretty foul mood when we arrived at the zoo. Thankfully, she fell asleep, which she never does. She doesn't even taken naps at home (not for lack of trying). Anyways, we're sorry she missed a chunk of the zoo, but she was in a much better mood when she woke up, and we decided the nap was well worth it!

Another funny sight-seeing this peacock pearched on top of a building.

Close-up, this thing was pretty

Luke wanted to climb in.

He LOVED the sea turtles.

He thought he could touch them.

Tigers playing

Okay, this odd looking thing had some strange name. Edward and I decided to rename it. We thought since it looked like a cross between a horse and a zebra, a more appropriate name would be a Hebra. So, that's what we are calling it. Luke enjoyed it too.

Luke got a Hebra :)

Sitting on the germ-infested hippo display...

...and loving it.

And, when we looped back around, the peacock was off the building and walking around. Great trip to the zoo!