The San Diego Zoo

Yesterday, to celebrate Riley's 3rd birthday, Brande & I drove down to San Diego to go to the zoo with Riley, Katie & Vinnie. For Riley's birthday, she got a camera, she loves to take pictures!I haven't been to this zoo since my kids were little. I had forgotten what a great place it is. Here, Riley takes a picture with her new camera of the bears while Brande holds her.The zoo had just opened their new elephant exhibit, which was awesome. Riley really enjoyed the elephants.I have ALWAYS loved the petting zoo's, as does Riley. Goats are one of my favorites too!After our day at the zoo, we all went to Old Towne San Diego, I love it there. And they have the best Mexican restaurant. The Mariachi players sang, "Happy Birthday" to Riley as she blew out her three candles on her birthday flan! Riley loves Mariachi players and as Brande said, "she will expect them for every birthday from now on". As we were leaving, the Mariachi guys were playing music to a table of Japanese tourists out on the patio. Vinnie held Riley up on the wall, as she danced and clapped with the music. And in turn, the Japanese tourists were taking pictures of Riley. All and all, I think she had a pretty special day! I know I sure did too.

Happy Birthday Riley!

Three years ago today, Riley was born. I was in the delivery room and got to help deliver her. You never, ever forget that feeling and the bond!!!Aunt Brande was in the delivery room too helping out and as you can see, the two of them bonded quickly after Riley was born!And a couple of days later, Riley came home and I couldn't put her down, my tiny baby girl! And in the blink of an eye, my little baby had turned one year old. We had a huge first birthday party for her at my house.Riley cried when everyone sang "happy birthday" to her! Once she stopped crying, she liked her cake! And before I knew it it, in the blink of an eye, my little girl was now two years old!! All of my family went to Disneyland that day to celebrate Riley's birthday as Riley had lunch with all the Disney Princesses. And today, my little girl is three years old. I took that picture last week when I gave her one of her birthday presents. I'm getting ready to leave now. I'm off to meet Riley and her mom and dad in San Diego. They went down last night. Brande and I are driving down now to spend the day at the zoo with my little baby girl! They grow so very fast!