Over the Christmas holiday break, we did as the Spaniards would say, “una gira del sudoeste.” Roughly translated to “a giant loop of entrance fees to various lands.”
Our first stop was Tucson, Arizona for a wedding and family reunion in the saguaro forest. The wedding was beautiful. The company outstanding. On the first day we went to the mysteriously named Desert Museum, conjuring mental images of dusty taxidermy. Perhaps because it far exceeded this picture… or because it had the best tamales of the trip, we rated it highlight numero uno. Well, except for the pack of wild javelinas knocking over garbage cans in the hotel parking garage. Baby javelinas are so cute.
We also visited the Pima Air and Space Museum, where Jacob spent the entire time looking for a B-25 bomber and debating WWII history with elderly docents. James’ favorite part was probably the old leather jackets painted with pin-up girls. Similarly, my favorite part was the exhibit on naked lady airplane nose art. I definitely channeled my inner Grandma Suzy as I enthusiastically announced we were going upstairs to get a closer look at the topless lady paintings from the second floor. I successfully embarrassed the retired pilot volunteer more than my own children, who think boobs are hilarious.
In subsequent days we visited the Tucson Zoo (meh), the Tucson Public Market (yum) and our hotel hot tub (brrr). Then we flew to San Diego and drove to Carlsbad. The entire time Nate kept asking if we were in New Jersey. He has a weird obsession with the Garden State.
In Carlsbad we spent too much money to go to Legoland in the dark. I remember being freezing and eating cinnamon-covered apple fries dipped in whipped cream. It was New Year’s Eve. I wish I’d eaten two batches.
And on New Year’s Day we visited the San Diego Safari Park. It was truly beautiful. I especially appreciated the founder’s ability to picture an african savannah in a SoCal valley.
Early in the day, we were wandering through the bird sanctuary and Jacob starts telling me about his chosen “spirit animals.” Apparently he’s a cheetah. Or will be a cheetah? I’m not sure how spirit animalization works exactly.
Nate’s taking it all in. We pass a monkey on an island. He’s peppering me with questions on reincarnation. Can he come back as anything he wants? How does it work? Do you get to choose? If he wishes hard enough, do I think it will work?
Of course I see no reason why it wouldn’t. Who am I to burst one’s animal reincarnation dreams?
“Mom. I really wish I was a monkey.”
I swap a knowing smile with a lady that overhears our little exchange. She can’t help but chuckle.
I coax him along, “Let’s go little monkey.”