San Diego Safari Park

My mom and I went to Murrieta for a few days to visit on of my mom's friends earlier this week. While we were there we went to the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido. I have always been in love with wild animals and it was so great to see them up close. When we got there I did not know what to expect. To get a feel for the lay out of the park we went on the tram that took us around their African Exhibits. We saw so many great animals, but my favorites would have to be the Rhinos and the Giraffes. Here are some good pictures from the ride on the tram:

After we got off the tram we walked around some more, making our way over to the Cheetahs. While we were there we caught the Cheetah Tails show. A trainer brought out a cheetah to a small grass area on a leech without any barriers. The trainer would walk around with the Cheetah so we could get a better look at him while we learned some information about Cheetahs. It was so cool to be only 5 feet away from the Cheetah. I wanted so badly to reach out and pet him. We were told before the show started that we were not allowed to reach out because it would make the Cheetah uncomfortable. But, being 5 feet away was good enough for me. It was such an awesome experience and my favorite moments of the day.

While we walked around I got some pictures of flowers

Such well trained animals. I would love to do something like this

They brought out the dog too. The cheetah and dog grew up together and do everything together except eat. The dog helps keep the cheetah calm.
This is how close I was, no zoom needed for this picture

My mom's friend Phyllis wanted to do the Flightline Safari. While we waited for her my mom and I saw the bird show. The show was really good and I was amazed at all the pretty birds. After the show we went and looked at the Gorillas. They were fun to watch.

Some great views of the Giraffes

After meeting up with Phyllis we decided that we have had enough and we started heading towards the exit. Before we left we went to see the Elephants. I had such a good time I was so amazed at everything I saw and experienced. Sorry for only posting pictures of only five animals, the tigers were not in their area and the lion exhibit was being redone.

It had rained the morning after so I got this good shot of one of Phyllis' flowers.

Easter

My mom and I had a great Easter filled with fun and family as we always have had. I woke up to some of my favorite candy: dove dark chocolate eggs and recces peanut butter chocolate eggs and bunny yum!! My mom wanted to keep it festive she hid some of the dove eggs and the peanut butter eggs. After I had found everything I immediately ate the recces eggs and some of the dove eggs, yep that's right CANDY FOR BREAKFAST!!!! The breakfast of champions. In the afternoon we headed over to Rose and Lyle's house for dinner. We join them and their family for Easter, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving for the past four years every since my dad passed away. They had a great dinner, we had roast beef and ham sandwiches with all the trimmings. I was so good, I was really hungry. We spent the rest of the afternoon talking and playing some games. We decided to head home early as people were leaving too. I really enjoy spending time with my new extended family. They are such fun and great people and I am grateful that they welcomed us into their family.