San Diego!

Uncle Joseph up and decided to join the Marines...which means a fun family vacation as we go out to see him graduate from boot camp! But a big vacation means big preparations...

Adalyn's hygiene habits are so good, that she brushes her teeth WHILE she eats.

Adalyn is an equal opportunity hugger.

Can Adalyn handle the awesomeness of her lion hugging her doll riding her pony!?

Adalyn shows off her impressive silverware skills, then gets attacked by Daddy!

We've combed our tiny hair, brushed our tiny teeth, and said goodbye to our stuffed animals as we board a plane for Adalyn's SECOND airplane adventure! We arrive in San Diego, and Adalyn gets to meet her great-grandparents for the very first time!

Joseph, Grandma, and Grandpa with a peeking Michael in the background.

Adalyn shows off her baby tongue for the camera as we wait for Joseph's graduation ceremony.

TADA! Joseph is now officially a Marine! (5th row from right, second back)

Okay, not that we've stomped all over the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, it's time to stomp all over the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Introducing Super Baby! Her penguin pajamas double as a cape.

Adalyn contemplates what it means to go on a safari.

It's hard to tell whether Poppop is showing Adalyn something or Adalyn is showing Poppop something...

Everyone's really having a good time at the Safari Park...despite all of the serious faces.

"E-phan!" Adalyn is mesmerized by elephants that move.

Poppop makes sure Adalyn doesn't miss out on seeing the giraffes.

Next stop, the safari tram!

Mommy and Daddy are ready for their tram adventure!

Adalyn made a funny remark about how no bars would keep her in, but again, no one understood it.

You can take the Marine out of the uniform, but you can't take the uniform out of the...no that's not it...hmmm.

Adalyn's first safari adventure!

Ooooh! Donkeys with striped legs!

"Home, home on the range...where the deer and the antelope look off in the distance somewhere..."

Uncle Joseph's first job as a Marine is to watch Adalyn. It may be his hardest job yet.

Adalyn takes Uncle Joseph on a tiny tour of the park.

Easy paths for Adalyn may not be easy for everyone else.

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Uncle Joseph's pretty sure he's seen this group of tables before...

"Aaaaaaaare you achin'? Yup yup yup. Fooooor some bacon? Yup yup....awwwww. He's just too cute!"

"Ladies..."

"Ladies!" (Ha, couldn't resist.)

You know you've had a good time when you've exhausted a baby.

Mommom and Uncle Joseph smile for the camera. And yes, all Marines look serious when they're smiling.

Poppop sizes himself up against a gorilla.

"Baby gorloola!" Adalyn's pretty excited about gorillas...especially ones that are her size.

Finally, an animal that Adalyn can pet...

Adalyn's super excited about petting a goat! The goat...not so much.

Adalyn gently touches the goat...this one has horns!

Time for Uncle Joseph's tour again.

What a Poppop with fox ears might look like...

After stomping around the safari park like we owned the place, it's time to head back.

It's the last day of our San Diego trip, but that doesn't mean the shenanigans have to stop! We get in a few family photos and head on out to the Maritime Museum before saying goodbye.

Family photo with four generations!

Poppop takes the helm to steer us into the Specific Ocean.

Uh oh...where will Captain Adalyn take us now??

Parks and Recreation

The air is warming, the flowers are blooming, and the park beckons for wee little feet to stomp around on its crunchy grass (it's the desert...it takes awhile for the grass to get lush and green 'round here). So we pack up the car and the baby and head on out for some fresh air.

It's hard not to get grass on your tushie when there's lots of hills to conquer.

Adalyn surveys the land for her to conquer...

Adalyn, the Sun Dial says it's 2 o'clock and time for fun!

Adalyn makes sure she stomps over ALL of the grass. 

Adalyn walks around the park, tralalalala.

Now that we've conquered the grass, it's time to defeat the slide.

Adalyn sizes up the slide...

...and goes WHOOSH!

"Again, Daddy, again!"

Adalyn goes down the slide head first...

...and then feet first! WHOOSH!

Adalyn graduates to the big girl slide.

Adalyn's hat manages to stay on despite the rush of the wind in her hair.

Nobody can resist the lure of the swing, especially an excited baby.

"Faster, Daddy!!"

Adalyn sizes up the competition on the next swing over...she can totally outswing them!

Awwww, Daddy puts a stop to any high-flying shenanigans.

 Adalyn has a fun time swinging.

Back from an exciting and exhausting day at the park, Adalyn learns how to fill some big girl shoes.

Adalyn only has 20+ years to go before she can fill Daddy's shoes.

Adalyn figures that she might have more luck with the left foot, but alas, it was not meant to be.

Adalyn has learned that a busy day should be followed by some rest and relaxation.

When the baby is away, the toys...take a well-deserved rest.

Adalyn has learned how to enjoy the finer things in life...a tasty beverage, a comfy chair, and a blanket to keep you toasty.

Adalyn only smiles because she's figured out the secret to life at such an early age.

Adalyn graduates from Daddy's shoes and hats to more eclectic flair...

Adalyn only models the latest in scarf fashion...and doesn't get out of the crib for less than 10 milks a day.

Tomorrow, we're moving on to ascots.

Adalyn's curl is outrageously curly.

Bonus kitteh pics:

Ninja captures some sunlight.

OH NOES! Where did Peeper's head go?