Today we make a quick decision to head to the zoo. We needed to get out of the house, get out of the heat of the Valley and head to Santa Barbara for the day. I had also read in our Zoo News emails that there was a new Channel Islands fox (the fox that formerly lived there passed away about a month before) and a new armadillo for the public to come and see. In the end, we didn’t get to see either but I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. Unfortunately a few things came up on our way out of the door so we were pretty delayed but still made it up there with about two hours to spend at the zoo.

This trip was also the first since Ellie started wearing her glasses and what a difference they make. She could see so many things that she couldn’t before, including her favorite animal… the giraffe. When she saw them eating  and wandering around she was so excited. I was so happy that she now could enjoy life a bit more.

Watching the elephants from atop her favorite perch!

“Love Birds”… these two kept kissing and nuzzling one another. Its probably not an act of love at all and most likely they were cleaning each other but I think its fun and cute to imagine that they are a couple of penguins in love.

Ellie could see the Griaffes and was so happy! Nothing like watching your favorite animal!

“Whatcha lookin’ at?”

The day was short and pretty uneventful but we had a great time as always. I think the Giraffes were interested in the shirt I was wearing because they kept staring at me and following me when I moved. We also had the chance to watch a wedding; one of the shortest ceremonies I think I have ever witnessed! Smart bride there! We took a longer detour on the way home, enjoying the summer sun and the beautiful evening. It may not have been much but it was a great day out for our family.