DAY 1: Tuesday March 30th
Our very first day was a trip to the famous San Diego Zoo. We have tons of pictures from that day- I can't possibly post all of them, so I left out most of the animal only pictures- if you want to see a picture of a polar bear- you could probably look up a much better one than mine! The best was watching the kid's excitement as they saw these animals.
We started the day with the bus tour- which gave us a great view of the park from all sides.
Marcus and Anna- - who hit it off really well . . .
Cynthia and Heidi- who also hit it off really well and became the best of friends . .
Walking around was exhausting but fun! We saw all kinds of animals from Elephants to all kinds of birds and reptiles, monkeys and giraffes- - this zoo had everything!
Aren't they the cutest family! I wish we could see them more often!
Their new little baby Megan- she is such a doll! I was so impressed by Erin, who was willing to go on an outing like this with a 6 week old baby.
The kids having fun:
Look at those cute human sea otters! (No- Cynthia isn't hugging a REAL one . . . )
DAY 2: Wednesday March 31st
Our second day in San Diego we had the Leonhardts over for a swim at our condo (though it was a pretty cold day!), and then we headed off to the beach. There is something so magical about the ocean! We walked to the end of a pier and watched (and felt) the waves crach against the pier.
Watching the huge waves running under the pier:
What a fun uncle (Uncle Jason with Cynthia on his shoulders walking to the beach):
The beach - - as you can see even though it wasn't the warmest of weather- the kids just loved it!
DAY 3: Thursday April 1st
We started the day (just our family) going to Old Town San Diego. Everyone who goes to San Diego needs to stop by this historical spot. It was the best way to get to know the history and feel the culture of the area.
I just loved the Mexican arcitecture, the pottery, the potted plants . . . the whole "Fiesta" feel of things. Jon and I took turns looking in the shops at the fun Southwestern souveniers . . . and ended up buying a morroca, corn husk doll and the kids got a few little things for themselves.
My absolute favorite part of Old Town was the new visitor Center about the Mormon Batallion. It was actually my most favorite thing of ALL the things we did in San Diego. I kind of knew what happened in this part of Mormon history- but I didn't really understand what a blessing the batallion was for the body of the church. I always wondered why, after being pretty much abandoned by the law and their country, the pioneers were asked to give up their men to the batallion.
This is one of my absolute favorite pictures- my children under a beautiful very recognizable painting of Jesus Christ in a very Southwestern style setting.
This is where the tour began. It was an amazing 45 minute tour through several different themed rooms to help bring the history to life. We followed a set of characters through their journey with the batallion. It was seriously theme-park quality with talking portraits, interactive films and guides. And that much more interesting because it is the history of my ancestors, and my faith!
Cynthia dressed up as a member of the batallion . . .
After the tour there is a place for kids to experience brick making, panning for gold and other fun stuff:
It is amazing the faith that these early saints had. They truly believed the prophet Brigham Young when he promised that it would turn out to be a blessing for the saints as they trekked west. The batallion marched from the mid-west all the way to San Diego. Not only did it bring them closer to the Salt Lake valley on the goverment's dime, their families benefit from the monetary compensation as well. When they got to San Diego- the war with Mexico was pretty much over and they did not have to see battle at all. Even the hardships they went through prepared them for the hardships of settling the Utah desert. A group of people had to stop in Pueblo, New Mexico due to illness. Even though several died, they were able to learn farming techniques that would be necessary for farming the desert in Utah. On the flip side, the Saints were also key in helping to settle San Diego by bringing crafts such as brick making, and even building the wagon trail.
There is so much more I could write about- needless to say it was so amazing to learn about. To read more about this cool new historical site - - click on this story!
Later that day we met back up with the Leonhardts to see some amazing vistas of San Diego and visit the temple (which is always a wonderful site!).
We definitely need to come back to this beautiful and hisorical part of the country- and to visit our family! Thanks to Jason and Erin, and Anna, Heidi and Megan for an amazing couple of days. We miss you already!
Moms and babies- I will miss you Erin! I had so much fun hanging out with you!
