harstad happenings: San Diego Zoo

After an amazing time in Disneyland, we headed south to San Diego. Jonah's cold was still present, and seemed to be getting worse. The day after we arrived, we met up with Grampa, who traveled from Arizona for a visit with us. We met up at a nearby cafe for a tasty breakfast. Little Benett, who is proving to have his Grandma H's taste for chocolate, was quick to let us know he was craving a chocolate muffin for breakfast. A chocolate muffin he received.

After breakfast, we headed off the the San Diego Zoo. While we have been to many zoos before, the kids haven't been to a good one in some time, none that would be remembered. We knew the zoo was big, and we knew we had two kiddos fighting a cold, or worse. So, we did what any desperate parent would. We rented a stroller. I can't even recall the last time Jonah rode in one of these things. He sure made up for it this trip!

Before touring the zoo much, Benett had to use the washroom. Look at the super cute (and low!) sinks for the toddlers and preschoolers! Even the paper towel dispense was low for him to use. I was so impressed.

Watch out, the ocelot likes to mark his territory. And it smelled of it too!

One of the boys favorites, the river otter.

And Benett's newest interest. Snakes. I am shuddering just thinking of the sheer amount of snakes that were in that zoo.

Time for a photo!

Even big brother liked one snake. Just one though. Good boy, Jonah.

I can't help but think of the movie Sneakers when I see flamingos now.

Stopping for a photo in one of the many aviary's.

And Jonah was so patient, waiting to see the tigers. We finally found them, and while I am so sad the lighting in this photo didn't cooperate, I love how the boys are trying to pose. Something that they recently started.

Oh, this gorilla wasn't anything special, but there is of course, a story about it. Benett watched as this gorilla came and sat in front of him. The mom came by, and Benett quickly named them "Mommy" and "Denett". He continued on to tell us how the baby - Denett - was having a snack - twigs, and how the mom was going to go get more snack for the baby. Then, they both left and he explained how there was 'No more Mommy. No more Denett!". Apparently when people, animals, or storybook characters leave or all alone, the whole family has abandoned them. It's incredibly cute to hear him tell us this.

How I would love to be a gorilla at this zoo. If I was in captivity, that is.

Another photo to go along with a story from B. He absolutely adores the movie Cars 2. In it, several of the cars get trapped in Big Bentley, in England. On the sky tram, Benett saw this structure in the distance and quickly identified it as Big Bentley from the movie. I couldn't help but laugh, and yet applaud him for how clever it was to notice such a similar detail.