San Diego Zoo

This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip so far. This zoo was amazing!

Everyone's favorite was the polar bears. They were seemingly "performing" for the crowd as they swam toward us underwater as we observed through glass. They swam so gracefully and were absolutely beautiful! The kids happened to be at the front by the glass when they swam toward us and Ryan was just an inch away from the bear as they faced each other.

We ended the night here for dinner...

Day at the Beach

Matt and Sherry arrived Saturday night and the next day we headed down to the beach for a bit... we just kept marveling how we could be at the beach and not feel hot and sticky. We were actually a bit cool! My kind of beach experience.

That evening, after some of us nursed our sunburns, we decided to go out and play miniature golf and then go out for frozen yogurt.

Jacob making an awkward shot... haha

This really is a "once in a lifetime" trip, and we are trying to make it so for everyone. There is so much to see and do, and it has been a nice break from the focus on health issues. Nice to think about what to do or where to eat rather than how we feel. Danny has done an amazing job selecting accommodations, planning fun things, and getting us around. I know he is exhausted but he looks around and sees us all having fun, and he smiles with contentment... what a wonderful husband and Dad he is.

We never want to leave

When you drive along sights like this, and have absolutely perfect weather (meaning around 70, sunny and no humidity) how can one want to ever leave this place?

Yesterday we went to a pick-your-own strawberry field, and it is like no field I have ever seen at home. There are no bugs to contend with, no heat, and the plants are in such neat rows - the berries just hang over the edge waiting to be picked.

We have enjoyed a lot of frozen yogurt while on vacation!

And doesn't Danny just look like he fits in here? All happy and relaxed, enjoying some yogurt and sunshine... ah yes, California. Lovin' it.

Driving Day

Yesterday we drove. And drove. And drove some more. We traveled from Phoenix to San Diego through the desert. At one point it dropped almost 30 degrees in less than an hour! The scenery kept changing as we drove...

This was Danny's favorite part!

Last day in Arizona

Yesterday we drove down to Amazing Jakes and played a few games, ate a little bit, and then drove back home. This place was really fun when we were here last time - about five years ago - but now it has a new nickname for us - "Not so Amazing Jakes"!! We realized it was geared really toward younger kids. Sad how our kids are growing up and out of certain things...

The highlight of the day was Tara coming and doing a family shoot of us in the desert. She is amazing! We hiked up a trail to get some amazing views and a desert atmosphere.

Ryan getting some shots of his own...

A "sneak peek" at the photo shoot... someday I will post the best shots of the day.

Our day in pictures

Left the house...

Went to lunch at a cool, Mexican restaurant...

Enjoyed some food...

Went to a few gift shops...

Danny and Jacob went to a shooting gallery and shot handguns...

Admired Jacob's amazing accuracy...

And then the Daukas's came over for a swim and smores, and we called it a day. Can't believe I am saying this, but I am LOVING this Arizona, dry heat.

Day Three

This evening we went out to dinner (just Danny and I) with our dear friends, Chris and Tara. Good food. Wonderful, refreshing fellowship. We really miss these two and their family...

Earlier in the day we went to the famous In-N-Out Burger! You can't visit AZ without going there at least once. After that we went and played a round of laser tag. Even me!

Ryan has been finding ways to occupy himself during the down times...