Naptime with Penny

Safari Park

Guess who went on a Safari yesterday? ...and guess who loved it?

Isn't Africa beautiful?!!

Okay, okay, I wasn't really in Africa, but I was at a place that sure felt wonderful - it was the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  And if any of you blog followers remember, I wasn't too fond of the zoo the last time I visited. Well, a lot has happened since then. Check it out:

 This time around, I wanted to take it slow. So we started with the small animals. Mom bought me some nectar and I waited patiently for a lorikeet to land on my shoulder. Believe it or not, they were too scared to come to me, so Mom brought me to them. These 2 little guys were thirsty! And for all those wondering - that is not a Sara stunt double.

Avi is an old pro at this whole bird-feeding thing. One day I'll be able to do that too!

   Moving on to bigger animals...I visited some friends in the petting zoo. Check me out...I'm brushing a goat! Nope, not afraid at all!

Then, I pretended I was a baby stork breaking out of my egg!

 

And if this doesn't showcase my improvement, I don't know what does! I rode on the carousel by myself! (okay, Avi was next to me, but I was able to hold on without any help.)

At the end of the day, Mom and I morphed into everyone's favorite flying mammal and flew home.

My Morning with Mom

This morning Mom took me to a really fun place...a place that resembled my city and probably the reason why it was called "Pretend City".  I didn't waste any time. I had to get to work right away.  Here is an overview of some of my favorite parts of the visit.

 First thing I did was find a phone. I called some friends to ask them to meet me at the marina ASAP.

While I waited for my friends to arrive, I decided to do some fishing. I tried to catch a lobster to no avail. There's got to be a better way to catch a lobster, rather than using a fishing rod..right?!!

Next, it was time to pump some iron before I began my shift as the 911 dispatch operator.

Who knew so many emergencies took place Sunday mornings? My call center was BUSY!!

So, after work, I did what every other adult does...took a nap.

Then, it was time to drive home. Except, I couldn't decide which car to drive. Mom, Dad take note...these are my 2 favorite cars right now. 

Day of the Dead

This past weekend Mom, Dad, Avi & Abuela took me to a very unique Mexican celebration (it's actually one of Abuela's favorites and it lands on her birthday too!) ... it is called "Dia de los Muertos" or Day of the Dead.

It is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have passed away.
It is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2. 

In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos, candles, incense, yellow marigolds, and most importantly, a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar.

 It may sound odd, but it is a day of celebration not a day of mourning. And, as you know, I'm always game for a celebration! 


Here are some of my favorite altars:

Okay, I have to admit, I was a little unsure about these 2 guys.

There was a procession through the cemetery (oh yeah, did I forget that detail? All of this took place at a cemetery) and everyone was dressed  in beautifully colored outfits and their faces were painted like skeletons!



























 ....I can't wait until I'm old enough to tolerate face paint so I can really be a part of this fiesta!