stay classy, San Diego

About 6 months ago for no good reason (or maybe because of a very good reason) some very mean people (or maybe just the United States Navy) forced (or maybe just afforded the opportunity) Kaley & Nick to move half way around the world (or maybe just to the other side of our country). Either way- I'm here, she's there and, it's tough. The good news is, the man-made gift of flight allowed Ben and I to spend a long weekend with Kaley in the great area of Southern California. We had such a good time. Ben was really excited for this traveling opportunity and I, for one, was really excited about getting to Cali in 5 short hours. The last time I visited the area it took us 5 days- 5 very action and desert packed days of fun, but 5 days nonetheless. It was really great- all of it. From the delish food we ate to the African Safari tour, it was fantastic.

Day one of our visit we journeyed "in-land" to San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. Because we're 5. No, but really, can you ever really grow out of the zoo? Don't answer that.

It was only demi-impressive. We did get to go on a 30 minute tram ride through the "safari" which was neat. I mean, it's not every day you see rhinoceros and gazelles traipsing about with giraffes.

And I thought this elephant was funny.

This bald bird was very ugly. Nothing personal... I am sure he will be a beautiful swan someday. Or, something.

Isn't he pretty?

Proof the zoo is for children.

I got too close to this cactus which was unfortunate, but resulted in only minor injury to my right arm. I just felt we needed to take a photo at this location because I did, after all, make Ben and Kaley walk up the drastically steep hill to the "cactus garden". I have a thing for cacti. I don't know...

The next day, we visited the (apparently) renowned Hotel del Coronado.

Kaley put us up in this precious beach bungalow.

Okay, not true, but can you imagine?!

We visited the seals, because that's seriously cool. They just hang out there, like the jellyfish in the Bay except they're seals.

I got to meet Kaley and Nick's dog, Molly Weasley, whom I loved. Unfortunately, Molly really only loves Kaley. It doesn't matter what you do or say (or what Kaley does for that matter) Molly is the most loyal dog to Kaley, ever.

Ben touched the Pacific, which was high on his to-do list.

I was really amazed by the sheer cliffs that just drop off in to the Pacific Ocean. No coastal plains here (or, there... whatever).

Are you bored yet? Either way... there are just a few more. I am my aunt's child and I take way too many pictures. What to do with them? Blog.

I really enjoyed Cabrillo National park.

Especially the informative museum.

San Diego is just a very cool place to visit. And to see Kaley, so great. Spending time with friends is the best. The. Best. In fact, at Cabrillo Nat'l Park we learned of the lonely family that manned the lonely lighthouse on the hill. I expressed that I thought this salty-sea life might have been kind of peaceful and beautiful.

And both Ben and Kaley laughed in my face- I guess the reality is, I love to be with people, I need to be with people. And I loved being with Kaley this weekend- thanks for a great mini-vacay!