Family Trip! Part 2

So... it has been several months since our family trip to San Diego and I guess I have been trying to put the second day behind me. One thing I forgot to mention was at the end of the first night. I had forgotten to bring any type of bedtime story books for my children. And bedtime without story time does not happen in our family. I think my son would have rebelled.

So we stopped at a Target near the hotel and picked up two books. One was a book I've wanted to buy, but considering the number of children's books we own, I couldn't bring myself to buy it until now. The book is Where the Wild Things Are. I was so happy to have an excuse to buy it! Plus the kids LOVE it, just like I thought they would.

So the next day ended up being an early morning for everyone. My husband, son, and I were happy to continue sleeping, but my daughter made sure everyone was up early. So we all trudged down to get some breakfast (we always make it a point to stay somewhere with a continental breakfast--I'm sure other parents can relate). After breakfast we headed back upstairs and prepared to leave for the day. I was excited because all the grandparents were coming down to meet us at the Wild Animal Park.

We made it in good time to the Park, but had to stand in a VERY long line in order to get replacements for our lost season passes. When we last moved we misplaced them and had to get new ones. Already the kids were anxious and a bit grumpy (okay, I was a little grumpy too). My daughter had fallen asleep during the 20 minute ride to the park (she definitely woke up too early) and was not happy to be woken up while being moved to the stroller.

My husband learned that the grandparents would arrive in 30 to 40 minutes so we hit the petting korral first. This is a great place to just hang out since the kids love being able to touch the animals. Then we met with the grandparents and made our way to the tram. Along the way we stopped at Lion's Camp. I think it is the neatest exhibit. Seeing the large male lion only inches away is an awesome feeling.

By the time we were in our seats for the tram ride my daughter was incredibly crabby. She was ready for a nap, but it seemed that each time she neared sleep the sun would hit her face and she would wake up or I would get a cramp in my arm and have to move her. My son was having his share of problems--wanting to stand where he shouldn't or take pictures with daddy's camera, hanging it over the side of the tram. It was only lunch time, but I wanted to go home.

Of course we couldn't go home without feeding the lorikeets (as my son would tell anyone) so we head up to get some food instead. I am so grateful for the new elevator system at the Wild Animal Park and the view from the landing deck is unbelievable! Unfortunately, the kids were not willing to enjoy anything so we continued to the restaurant for lunch.

Ah lunch... lunch entailed drinks being knocked over, screams and fights. My husband could tell I had had it and did his best to help out. Finally things seemed to calm down a bit. Near the restaurant was a new playground area so we took the kids to burn off some steam. They seemed to have a great time in the playground but then fought over the buttons on a little safari ride on car that grandpa so kindly paid for them to ride. Then we loaded them up and took them to feed the lorikeets so mommy could go home!

Both kids quickly fell asleep as we began our trip home. We had to stop in Corona for gas and, of course, the kids woke up. We knew they wouldn't sit for much longer without a stretch and it was nearing dinner so I suggested we hit the Rainforest Cafe at Ontario Mills. I told my son we were going somewhere special for dinner. His response? "Somewhere special? Maybe McDonald's?" Out of the mouths of babes...

The kids were very happy to experience the Rainforest Cafe. My daughter was a little nervous during the first mock thundershower (we were seated near the gorillas), but they loved it. Thankfully the restaurant was not busy so my husband and I could take turns leading the kids around the restaurant to look at all the mechanical animals and aquariums. At least the kids enjoyed a small version of an "animal park" for the day!