Playing in the snow

Southern California recently had a huge snowfall with some snow even falling on the highest peaks in Orange County. We waited a couple weeks for the crowds to die down and then drove up Highway 38 to the San Bernardino National Forest to play in the snow. We took a side road a few miles past Angelus Oaks to East Flats, a totally open area of virtually untouched snow, where we were able to run around, throw snowballs, and make little snowmen.

Before heading home, we stopped at The Oaks Restaurant in Angelus Oaks, were Ava got to eat and talk to her friends on her phone.

Animals on land and sea

Over the last couple months, Ava has had many opportunities to visit with animals - both local animals and exotic ones.

Just before Thanksgiving, we went to the Cabrillo Marine Acquarium in San Pedro with Grammy and Poppy.

Ava got to see lots of sea creatures, and got to touch starfish in the touch tank.

While we were in Oakland, Grandma and Grandpa took us to the Little Farm at Tilden Regional Park. While there were lots of different animals there, Ava's favorites were the flock of black sheep which Ava loved feeding. Lesson here - make sure to bring plenty of lettuce so you don't run out.

Grandpa and Grandma also took us to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, where we saw lots of animals in the African hall including African penguins.

We also spent plenty of time in the Steinhart Aquarium, home to over 38,000 live animals.

One of our final stops while we were in Oakland was a trip to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. The museum rehabilitates wild animals - many of which were foolishly kept as pets by local people - and allows visitors to learn about, view, and touch the animals.

Ava even got to pet a snake, but her favorite part was looking into the powerful microscopes.

In January, we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the first time. We explored the park and saw all kinds of wild animals including lions, rhino, and okapi.

Most importantly, however, was the fact that they had a petting zoo where Ava found a very docile deer.

Everyone was knackered, so on the way home Grandpa, Ava, and Grandma had a group nap.