At the end of December we headed south to San Diego for a long weekend in celebration of our 12th anniversary. Our destination: the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We’d talked about going for years but never made the trip. With three kids it seemed like the perfect spot to celebrate our anniversary family-style.

First surprise: the park is actually outside of Escondido, a good 30 miles north of San Diego proper along I-15. That put a bit of a damper on our plans to stay in a swanky hotel in the Gas Lamp. No matter, the Holiday Inn in Escondido was just fine with the kids.

Where else could you run naked in circles in your bedroom?

The first day in the park was a blast. Emma and Henry didn’t complain (much) about the walk and enjoyed the animals. Cora was, of course, an angel.

On day two we went to A Delight of France for bunch. Oh, my. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, you must eat here. Heck, if you’re not in the neighborhood it is worth the trip. The almond croissant is among the best things I’ve ever eaten at any bakery around the world.

Wow. Just, wow.

The zoo on the second day was equally fun, with an awesome tram ride around the “back country” of the park. I was amazed to learn about the important conservation work that the park does. The white rhinos we saw were literally two of twelve remaining of their kind. (Eight in captivity and only four remaining in the wild.)

After getting matching tattoos with Henry we headed back home, with a dozen roses and fondue waiting for us at The Melting Pot. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend than spending it with Marla and the kids!