Yesterday, we spent the day at the San Diego Zoo, and it was everything we needed—sunshine, animals, laughter, and that priceless feeling of being fully present as a family.

We packed a lunch before heading out, knowing the excitement would hit hard as soon as we arrived. Sure enough, by the time we walked through the gates, the kids were already ready to eat, so we found a shady bench and had our picnic right away. Starting the day with sandwiches cut into heart and Mickey shapes and fruits in the middle of such a beautiful place somehow made it feel extra special—simple moments with the best company.

The clear favorite of the day? The elephants. No contest.

There’s something deeply moving about seeing these incredible animals in person, but I think what made it even more special for our family was the connection to our past experience in Thailand, where we visited an elephant sanctuary. The kids immediately remembered feeding and walking alongside those gentle giants. Standing at the elephant enclosure yesterday, I could see the memories lighting up in their eyes. 

That memory from Thailand turned a moment at the zoo into something deeper—more than just observation, it became a moment of recognition. Of connection. That’s the beauty of shared experiences—they layer on top of each other and grow more meaningful over time.

After the elephants, we wandered through the rest of the zoo at a relaxed pace. The kids asked a million questions (as they do), and we loved every second of it.

By the end of the day, everyone was sun-tired, happy, and full of new animal facts. And as we walked back to the car, we were already talking about what we didn’t get to see and why we’d have to come back again soon.

All in all, it was the kind of day that fills your cup. Nature, nostalgia, and a little wild adventure with the people you love most.