Day 229 (Saturday, 9/11): Balboa Park and Mojave Narrows

On Saturday, Tom and I enjoyed lunch and a walk in the beautiful gardens of Balboa Park. Although, I'd been to San Diego many, many times, I'd never gone to Balboa, which is a shame because it is gorgeous and a perfect spot for a Saturday afternoon. Not only does it have a variety of gardens, but it also has lots of museums. We skipped the museums on this visit because the weather was just perfect--80 degrees, lots of sunshine, and a nice breeze. Just right to be outside.

We had lunch at El Prado, a restaurant in the park,

and visited the botanical building,

and the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Tom has decided that when he's older and LB has moved off to college, he's going to learn the art of making bonsai trees.

Tom and I stayed the night at Kona Kai Resort on Shelter Island. We came to Shelter Island two summers ago before LB was born and fell in love with this peaceful little part of San Diego. Our hotel room on this visit had a great view of the water . . .

Meanwhile, in Victorville, LB was still living it up at Grandpa and Grandma's house, where she apparently took control of the remote . . .

and vegged out in front of the tube, eating crackers with Spiny.

G and Grandpa also took her to Mojave Narrows, the little regional park where Uncle Donald is a ranger. While at the park, LB was treated to a pony ride! Apparently, because of insurance reasons, Grandma and Grandpa were not allowed to go into the corral with her and the horses, so this cowboy in charge had to put her on the horse and strap her in. He then took her around on the pony ten times! I must say, I am very impressed by all this. For those of you who know LB, she can be very, very picky about whom she'll let pick her up. But she went to the cowboy without a protest and was very content sitting on top of pony. Maybe we have a little cowgirl on our hands?

While at Mojave Narrows, she also enjoyed visiting the ducks and the friendly old camel. And as you can see Grandpa Lovejoy, who usually doesn't get to hold LB, was getting plenty of cuddles this weekend.