Carlsbad Flower Fields

Today we visited the Carlsbad flower fields which were in full bloom!

There are fields and fields of fresh flowers along with a sweet pea maze, fresh strawberry shortcakes, and even a live flower-themed band!

Michael approved of this particular entry into the flower growing contest.

Debbie helped out with the work on the farm.

They say you are supposed to smell the roses but they can get a little thorny so Debbie kept her distance.

Michael planned ahead and coordinated his outfit with the flowers.
Debbie demonstrates her strength to the red row of flowers. The flowers are suitably impressed.

The Living Desert in Palm Springs

We went to visit Michael's family in Palm Springs and while there, we visited the local zoo and gardens.


The Cheetahs are very friendly and will come right up to you to say hello!

The cacti are not so friendly and will attack if you touch them!


This is a rescue tortoise, he enjoys salads - he's watching his figure.

This bear is recovering from surgery at the on-site animal hospital where lots of zoo and wild animals are treated.

Michael makes friends wherever he goes! After Michael finished brushing the goat, the goat got up and gave Michael a hoof massage!

An afternoon with Shamu

Michael eagerly awaits the arrival of his friend, Shamu!

Shamu waved at us from the water. It was really cool that he noticed us in the crowd.

Here Shamu is instructing the trainer on how he likes to be massaged.

Here, Michael shares a cold drink with his penguin friends.

Anza-Borrego State Park

Each year around mid-March, the wildflowers bloom in the desert in SoCal, so we decided to check them out.


There were also a nice variety of animals found grazing in the desert. Here is Michael holding up a native elephant. Michael is very strong - see how the elephant's front feet are lifted!

Debbie finds a smaller elephant to befriend.

Here are some more of the seasonal blooms.


And this is the restaurant in La Jolla where eat ate Sushi on the way home. You can't beat the view!

Debbie and Michael compete in some Olympic Sports

At the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Debbie had a chance to practice her serve.


Michael showed off his stellar polo techniques.

Debbie won the Gold for her efforts.

And Michael managed to score the bronze!