California: Day 3 - San Diego Zoo

That is my hilarious aunt in the corner - she was very excited to be at the zoo... ha!

This morning we got up at the crack of 9am (I consider that early when vacationing...) and drove to the San Diego Zoo! I was very excited since it is supposed to be amazing... and... it was!! Number one, it's HUGE - and we have the Atlanta Zoo, which is pretty big - but I'm not sure it can compete with San Diego.

Number two, when you first walk in, you are surrounded by GORGEOUS peacocks (I think you are all aware of my peacock fetish)...

Number three, there was an entire family of monkeys!!!

One of the younger monkeys was so cute - showing off, doing backflips for the crowd!

While we were there, we took the "Skyfari" across the zoo, which gives you an aerial view of all of the animals, and gives you a nice little break from walking in ridiculous, but adorable wedges that you decided to wear to the zoo.. Like an idiot.

When we were all zooed out we drove through Balboa park and wished we could have stopped and wandered through all of the museums, but we had to make it back in time for me to make delicious pasta salad to go with some yummy grilled chicken made by my Dad and uncle.

Pasta Salad Recipe

1 pkg whole-wheat bowtie pasta, prepared as directed

1 pkg (7 oz) prepared refrigerated pesto

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (this absorbs into the pasta, so you can add more if needed after refrigeration)

1 tbsp Caesar dressing

1 pkg baby Roma tomatoes, quartered

1 cup green onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pkg Julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes, rough chop

1/2 small can diced black olives

1 pkg pine nuts

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

salt & pepper to taste

I modeled this recipe after the pesto pasta salad at Le Madeline's - fave. It makes a TON, serve cold - perfect for a quick lunch or snack!