Jesse and I both grew up going to the Santa Barbara Zoo, so we were excited to share it with Kayleigh. The way that she loves animals and giggles every time she sees one told us it was time to take our 8 month old. It was so much fun to get to share some of God's amazing creation with her!
One of the things I was looking most forward to about this zoo trip was getting a picture of Kayleigh sitting on one of these beautiful old giraffes. There are tons of photos of my siblings and me climbing all over them in the 90s. I was confused when I couldn't find them at the zoo, and then saddened when I realized that they weren't on the path anymore; they had been relocated to a gated off area on a quiet lawn overlooking the ocean. I understand why--how many lawsuits had they been subject to over the past 20 years for having "dangerous" structures like this for kids to fall and hurt themselves on? But still, seeing that they were no longer within touching distance--that I had participated in something that was no longer allowed-- made me feel old. And sad. But I'm glad that I still got to show the giraffes to Kayleigh and get a few pictures with her. They are dear to my heart.
After a while, it was time to let our little wild thing free for some floor time
Look at that face! Her daddy can always make her squeal with delight :)
We clap for Kayleigh every time she stands up by herself, so now she claps for herself, too. It's my new favorite thing :)
Can you tell that the ocean is behind us? Seriously, how beautiful is this zoo?!?
All tangled up :)
Hehe, couldn't resist taking this one near the gorilla exhibit :)
We had such a wonderful day! So glad we got to take Kayleigh to the zoo :)
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Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I consider myself tall at 5'7"... you're taller! But hey I am really long legged and clothes are SO hard! (especially maternity, but you know all about that!) The zoo looks like such a fun time, you really got some great pictures of Kayleigh! How appropriate that she wore her giraffe shirt for the occasion! She seems to be standing so good on her own, look out she's gonna be walking before you know it!
ReplyDeleteLong legs do make a difference :) I've pretty much given up on shorts since they are always way TOO short.
DeleteShe sure is going to be walking soon! We left her with my mom the night before we took her to the zoo, and I told my mom, "If she tries to take her first step while I'm gone, push her down and down let her try!" Lol :)
Bethany... you're hillarious... and adorable. :) made me LOL when i read your comment to your mama. :)
DeleteLol, thanks! I'm glad you could figure out what I meant, even though I apparently wrote "down" instead of "don't!" :)
DeleteWhat a fun day! That Zoo looks amazing! We took Peny and Ben on their first zoo trip a few weeks ago, they loved it. Kayleigh is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe zoo is such a fun place to take kids at this age! I love their excitement...and those sweet baby giggles--sheer delight!
DeleteThat looks so fun! I am sad about those giraffes... it is a bummer when things change like that. Hopefully this fall we can take Ivan to the zoo... we live so close to it, but it is just so hot outside.
ReplyDeleteIt's no fun when it's too hot! That's why the Santa Barbara Zoo is perfect--it's on a hill overlooking the ocean! It doesn't get hot at all, and there's a sea breeze everywhere you go. I love it!
DeleteHopefully you guys will have lots of fun in the fall--and at the rate he's growing, you're going to have to run to keep up with him!
We took Mackenzie to the zoo a few months ago and she loved it!
ReplyDeleteWe clapped for Mackenzie when she was starting to walk and now she claps all the time when she makes it to her destination without falling. It's so cute!!
And I love her hair!! Mackenzie's is quickly growing and it's so exciting!
So cute! I haven't been to the SB since I was a kid! I love the last pict. - her face is priceless!
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