After running a few crucial errands and deciding to procrastinate with the rest, we took off for a drive to Santa Barbara. What could we say, the sun was shining, the sky was clear and it was warm with a lovely ocean breeze. Who would want to run errands all Sunday on a day like that? So we drove the coast!

The drive up was a nice paced one without traffic and by the time we reached Santa Barbara, we realized that we had few hours before the zoo closed. So we were off without a single complaint from Abby… who loves the zoo too!

The new Otters, Bob and Jillian had given birth to new pups. This was the first weekend that anyone had the chance to see them in their open habitat to the public. They were super cute, playing with one another, biting, fighting and chasing. I could sit and watch the otters forever.

Because the zoo was pretty quiet, Abby also had the chance to get out of her stroller and walk on her own. She tested our limits, as any two year old might do, but she also had a great time and loved her “independence” from Mommy and Daddy.

Ellie however, was content and happy to be in her stroller. Now that she can sit in it like a big girl, she is happy to sit back, relax and watch the amazing world that surrounds her. And she did all of that with an adorable smile on her face.

And of course we had to see the giraffes! Abby wouldnt have it any other way. Only two were out today and they were very busy eating. The other female of the group was tucked away with her brand new baby who was a surprise to guests and zoo staff alike. The new baby should be out and about in the next month or so and I know we will be there to see him or her when that time comes.

After the giraffes, Abby and Daddy walked and talked about monkeys and more. I think that is because Abby is a monkey herself! Like the sign says, “Its all in the family”.

Another beautiful and random day in Southern California. Who would have thought that errands would have turned into an afternoon in Santa Barbara. I guess that’s a perk of being spontaneous!