Yes, it’s that time again. The time where daddy rips me away from my home, my mommy, my friends, and takes me kicking and screaming out to some place I can’t stand.
The annual vacation ritual.
Seriously – I can’t wait each year. This year, I have most of the Padres memorized by name and number, though free agency has thrown me a bit of a curve. I’m also tall enough to take on Disneyland’s biggest ride, Indiana Jones. We’ll also do the standard stuff – Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World. But I hear Daddy has a surprise or two up his sleeve for me this time. I’m not sure what that is, particularly when he wears short sleeves most of the time.
This May, we get to take Grandma and Grandpa out, and watch the Padres slaughter the Cardinals over three games. Won’t even be close.
-Grant
We arrived late Monday, with just enough time to run to the ballpark to see our victorious Padres vanquish yet another unlucky opponent.
However, we quickly learn that this is not the Padres we left here in 2007, or we’re in the wrong city. Our ace is injured, our AAA replacements look out of place, and we’re behind early. At least Grandpa looks happy.
Day 2 has us at Sea World, enjoying pizza, breadsticks, chips, and chocolate cake. My balanced diet, or lack thereof, must remain a secret from momma. I tell her I’m eating well.
We spend some time at the fishy-hotel – It’s my favorite. I count the fish, feed them, and like to describe the fishy things they do all day.
Day 2 at the ballpark was much better. Kouz hit a big home run in the 6th, and we held on to win. Much more like the Padres I remember
1….2…3…..4.
Do you think they like to go to the zoo when we’re not watching?
Speaking of the zoo, that was day 3. We were greeter by this huge bird that swooped out of nowhere, attacked, and left just as fast. Amazing!!
I saw a frog as big as my face
And got slithered by a COBRA!
Kissed by a llama?!?! These things don’t happen at home.
Lots of time in Cat Canyon with my friends. They all recognize me.
Great seats for the rubber game of the series. Padres have a lead going into the 4th, and we watch the entire Padre season go down the drain in the next 10 minutes – from the front row.
First, our most reliable pitcher takes a line drive in the face.
Once that mess is cleaned up, the batter that clobbered our pitcher takes out our catcher at the plate.
Both on the DL. And we were in the front row for all of it.
At least the walk home was quick and quiet.
The next day, we took Grandma and Grandpa to the Wild Animal Park.
We noticed how much I look like a Condor.
When we go visit Lion Camp, I can find my own name now.
I really like seeing the big cats!
We also like to spend time with the cheetahs
The Wild Animal Park has three, we got to visit with the when they were just babies in 2003. They’re now so big and grown up.
We spent some time that night at an old favorite restaurant – I got reacquainted with an old friends Alex and Nico. Everyone got caught up on old times.
Daddy ate well and slept well.
In the morning, we all went out and had French toast with Shamu. One of my favorite things to do!
My Indian name is…
He who pets and FEEDS bat rays.
Daddy – that was really fun!
Holding out his hand – “What’s that smell?”
While we didn’t know it at the time, our Padre season lay in ruins.
However, we took a different approach to watching the game – a seat from the beach.
For an inning or two, it was fun.
Then it rained.
Daddy and I went back to the Wild Animal Park. We found a new, fun fish thing to do, then spent some time on a new tour.
We got to go behind the scenes, and see some friends where they sleep. First were the cheetahs.
Next was a baby lion
And last were some up close animals.
A Tawny Frogmouth
And
A ferocious grape-eating anteater.
I rode a cheetah on the way out
That night was more baseball. Always look forward to the game, but lately haven’t left with the same enthusiasm. The Padres need help.
But there’s always the zoo the next day. We rode the skyway and saw lots of animals. Then left for another Padre game.
Should have known better!
Daddy finds ways to make the games a little more fun. We rode the trolley.
We got to see Nico and Alex at the game again, but it was another weird one.
Pads were leading late, blew the lead, then had to play 18 innings to win. Daddy and I left after 9, I napped on the way to Disneyland, and woke up just in time to see Disneyland and hear the Padres win.
Final Scorecard:
Padres won 1, lost 4, and tied one (we left before they won)
OUCH!
I really, really like my Disneyland.
I helped Buzz blast the aliens
And later rode on Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye for the first time.
There’s always time for Peter Pan
And Dumbo
Monstro and I compared dental work.
And we drove around a lot.
Saw a famous rodent.
We posed for a statue
And found some quality out-of-the-way time to enjoy the world going by
We got to spend 3 days at Disney.
We rode some scary rides – and I gave them a thumbs up
Two thumbs up at an old favorite – Soarin’
Since there were no nighttime shows, we got to ride a bunch or rides at night.
A pretty quiet place to be this time of year. The early risers got their choice of rides with no lines.
I learned I really like Splash Mountain.
Back to some old favorites – with no lines!
So nice to walk all over without getting stepped on.
Daddy and I drove a lot – I don’t get to do this at home!
I’m gonna miss this place!
One last morning for Bobsleds down the icy Matterhorn, and a chance to say goodbye
