Friday, March 26, 2010

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…” Ralph Waldo Emerson



By early morning ,the laundry was done,the house was spotless,okay,not exactly spotless but at the very least, clean and picked up, so the boys,Zoey and I, headed out to celebrate the first day of springbreak.What better way to do it then to head to Santa Barbara,a 45 minute drive north,and put that Santa Barbara Family Zoo membership to good use.That family membership,that we have renewed on and off for nearly 20 years,has been one of the best investments we have ever made.Perfect size zoo, with a breathtaking view of the ocean.With a membership you feel as though you can take as much or as little time as you like.No pressure because you know you'll be back in no time.We lunched on a grassy knoll,visited lots of cool animals and Zoey,well her favorite part was the people watching.I swear that child waved,smiled and lunged at,every person,big or little,that passed her by.Not impressed with the animals in the least bit.Did get a slight kick out of the elephant eating but other than that,wasn't doing it for her.And,to top it off,she absolutely HATED the train.Cried the entire ride.Signed "scared" almost non-stop and just was not a fan at all.I think the height of the train and the openness made her feel vulnerable.It's the only thing I can think of because she actually loves fast motion,so her reaction took me aback a little.She definitely lets us know her likes and dislikes .... loud and clear.







Zoey spied these three darling babies while we had our lunch.They were about 10 months old and crawled like no other.Well,Zoey went into her rolling mode and tried,to no avail,to catch them.Felt kind of sorry for my girl.She wanted to play with them so desperately and they were having no part of it.







After the zoo we went across the street to the beach.I didn't bring their swim suites because it actually isn't quite ocean swimming weather yet but that didn't stop the boys.Soaking wet,from head to toe by the time they were finished.And Jake,boy,that child LOVES the ocean.He did not want to leave and kept saying,"Just one more wave.Just one more."I think I will dig out their wetsuits and make a few beach trips part of our springbreak plans next week.As for Miss Zoey,she was in her element just being free and outside.Rolling in the sand makes for an interesting time but hey,I have to let her do her thing the only way she knows how.I just stand in awe and wonder at her tenacity where life is concerned.She really is undaunted and entirely unfazed by most circumstances and just does things in her own unique and beautiful Zoey way.







As we were heading back to the car,both boys,almost simultaneously proclaimed the day to having been, "the best day ever." ...."Ever", might possibly be a stretch but, if through their eyes,that is how they saw it ... then I'll take it.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

looks like a great day! I remember that train with Jess, Caitlin & Taylor oh about 16 years ago...Great zoo...


Take care

Bluebelle

Tina said...

What a wonderful day...being outdoors and just up and about, in nature is the best thing ever for kids, so no wonder the comment "best day ever". So wonderful to see Zoey having fun, in her own way I am sure but never the less a great time!

Anonymous said...

It sure looked like "the best day ever". What fun! On the east coast, day was a little chilly for March - I think it made it to 30 during the day and 13 last night. Beach days during spring break sounds like a lot of fun. Enjoy them.

Robyn from Otisco Lake

Dana Janowicz said...

What a wonderful California day! By the looks on their faces, it might just have been "the best day ever." Enjoy your break.

Cammie Heflin said...

I'm so jealous! My boys have never been to a beach and I know Jake would LOVE it! I'm wondering how I can sneak a trip out to Cali this summer!

To Love Endlessly said...

Those are some beautiful pictures! Too bad she didn't like the zoo, that completely surprised me about the train though. It just sounds like a lot of fun! Looks like the ocean paid off though. :-)

Lacey said...

What a fantastic day! Someday we will be able to do that with you!

Penny said...

Wow! I love the pictures! Zoey looks like she is really trying to figure out the sand......

Have fun on spring break!

Cheri said...

Sounds and looks fabulous!! We still have 1 more week before Spring Break and we are soooo looking forward to it! I love Zoey's little shirt, I want one in big girl size ;)

Kaden Epstein said...

Sounds like a great day. Let me know if you want any company next week at the beach. Kaden would LOVE to hang with Joe and Jake!

Mary said...

Gorgeous photos! The zoo looks awesome. I wish we lived near the ocean. We're taking the kids this summer for their first ocean visit. I'm not sure it will be this gorgeous though!

Googsmom said...

Great pics Heather. What a fun day! Congrats on the diapers too.
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

Kristen's mom said...

Looks like you all had a blast! Who has more fun than you and your family? Outdoor activities is all Kristen will be able to do for the next many months to keep her away from the crowds. The zoo is a great idea. We don't have the ocean here, but we have many lakes that we love to visit.

Anonymous said...

I miss little Zoey! So great, though, to keep up with her by blog. I love hearing that she's putting two signs together, and that she's indicating her feelings to you by sign as well. Yipee!

Katie Lee

Dawson said...

Sounds like the perfect day to me!! Glad you and your beautiful family got to get away and enjoy some of God's creations

Love from Bama

Mama Mason-Mann said...

Looks like a wonderful day! thanks for sharing the pics!

Lacey said...

Call when you can. You know I love to have our playdates, but I do leave a lot of the time wondering what my boy would have been. Of course I get over it and move on, I'm just grateful to have him here, and he does bring us all so much joy! Did Tates mom say anything about adopting from Ukraine?

My name is Sarah said...

Looks like a fun day at the beach:)

Becca said...

Your photos really make me long for the beach and the zoo. Might have to hit the zoo this week...

Zoey's just such a pretty little girl! Sorry she had a rough time on the train--you just never know sometimes! And next time who knows, maybe she'll love it.

Scrappy quilter said...

Looks like one of the best days ever. What great pictures. Hugs