Day 1 ... Beach!

Waking up at the beach is one of my favorite things.  I just know it will be a good, relaxing day. 
We had wanted to go to the zoo so we took advantage our very first day.  We drove into Santa Barbara and in a rare moment of whatever John locked the keys in the truck.
Luckily, Katie Anne's skinny little arm could get in just enough and, with the help of that stick, she could push the unlock button.  Katie Anne saved the day!  Or at least she saved a lot of headache, gas, and money.


The animals were all very active, out and about.  The weather of course was perfect.  I always love the giraffes and elephants the best but the meerkats were adorable and the hornbill made us laugh.

Our friends the Cannons were there as well, though they split their time between us and some cousins that were also there.

The staff put on quite the show to explain animal care at the zoo using dinosaurs.  It was kind of weird, especially when the dinosaur pooped on the stage.  Seriously.  I was so in shock I didn't even get a picture of it!  The next dinosaur that came out laid three eggs as well.  Creative, I guess!

We did make it home from the zoo in time to get down to the beach. 

 

Just as we came up from the beach my two nephews showed up.  They also brought two friends who I failed to get a picture of.  We had hamburgers for dinner then went to the Cannon's for s'mores and stories.  These big boys were like rock stars to the little kids running around and gave plenty of attention to them all.  We played games later on then at bedtime we stuck Jack and Jeffrey in a tent, put the girls on the table bed, and let the 4 big boys take the bunk beds.  They fit! Surprise!