Where The Wild Things Are

Last Saturday, the 27th, we were invited to go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park with Grandma and Grandpa Kaplan. They are the proud owners of a zoo membership and along with that membership comes some free guest passes. So...we took advantage of the passes and headed out to Escondido to hang with the wild life for a few hours.

Upon leaving at 9 am, we hopped on the I-15 and must have been driving with every Sunday driver within the Southern California area (keep in mind it was Saturday). I think we found everyone that likes to drive 60 mph in the fast lane. After maneuvering through the slow pokes, we arrived at the park a little after 10 am. We parked after paying the outrageous $8 parking fee and proceeded to load up Jaxon, the stroller, the camera, snack bag, and diaper backpack. Sometimes I wonder if we should pack up his entire room for outings. We made our way up the hill from the parking lot and the grandparents were eagerly awaiting our arrival at the front gate.

After passing through the turnstyles and a quick stop at the restroom, we were headed for the Wgasa Bush Line Railway which circles the park and gives the visitor a closer view of the large animal enclosures. However, that must be the place to go once you get in as a couple hundred other folks decided to join us. After a 20 minute wait, we boarded our train and sat in the very last row on Zak's suggestion. Jaxon happily peered out the back opening at the train behind us pulling into the station as we left. Afterwards, he enjoyed climbing over each of us on the bench from one person's lap to the next. He only stopped when the train passed an enclosure with animals inside amd sat quietly for pretty much the duration of the 45 minute ride. He would eagerly and emphatically point when we would pass an animal that piqued his interest. As if to say, "Hey, check out that large gray animal with the plates!" (rhino) or "What the heck is that thing with the long neck, I wish I could reach the leaves that high up!"

After exiting the train, we made our way to the Petting Karal (that is really how they spell it, it isn't me) and proceeded to pet the oversized deer and one-eyed giselle. Jaxon loves petting zoos but proceeds with caution around the animals, which I suppose is good for him and the animals! I personally think he enjoys getting to run around free and not have to ride in his stroller. After washing our hands we visited the lorikeets and fed them and then wandered into the tropical forest exhibit that had many different species of colorful birds, trees, and flowers. We even saw a butterfly or two. Jaxon made friends with a blue Macaw and the two of them chatted for a bit.

Our last large animal visit was to the gorillas. Jaxon was mesmerized with them and seemed to be trying to figure out who they were and why they also have opposible thumbs. Finally, fed the local ducks and decided to call it a day. We even managed to escape without a visit to any of the gift shops!! Whew!

Jaxon stacks

Friday, May 12, 2006

Hi there, today is our first blog entry and I'm excited about this as it will be fun to continue this and document his ongoing changes and developments.

Jaxon has taken a real liking to stacking things - all things. Shoes, toys, food storage containers, you name it, the kid stacks it. Perhaps he will choose to be an engineer or architect when he grows up and this is just his training period.

Today we ventured over to the "O.C." so Mommy could finally get the last of her dental work completed and to have lunch with Grandpa and Grandma Kaplan. Daddy came too and Jaxon decided to be a piggy-goomba on bread and then not eat anything else. It didn't help that Mommy showed up with a full bottle of milkie and it was nap time. Salmon, normally his favorite fish, which he gobbles up, was not to be touched today.

We also missed Gymboree today, which has become one of his favorites. He gets excited, stomps his feet, and bounces up and down when we arrive, and that is just to get into the play enclosure. After he gets inside, he is like a caged animal, suddenly let free. Jaxon loves the tunnels, they are his favorite. He has also learned to climb up the slides but has just as much fun going down them as well. The highlight of the whole session is the parachute and bubbles! Jaxon loves bubbles as much as a fish loves water. He also likes other kid's bubbles which he tends to hog when it isn't his turn. Oh well, I guess they all need to learn to share. The parachute not only fascinates him to no end but he has a thing where he likes to run and jump on it and then roll around in it. I'm sure Miss Kaytee, our instructor is just thrilled when he is doing this and she is stuggling to put it away in a container that seems much too small for it in the first place. :)