I’m relaxing with an at home spa day today, but wanted to take a look back at my birthday and trip to Wildlife Safari.

I kicked off my birthday at midnight by opening up the packages that arrived earlier in the week. I received a variety of things that match up to my various interests- a backrest for reading and a cat themed bookmark; a Paris journal; a cow print throw; a zodiac themed bracelet; a watch; and some glass bowls for food prep. And I also received the cutest, littlest, softest red panda plushie. My brother said there is another package that’s expected to arrive tomorrow (today), so I’m excited to see what that is.

My sleep schedule is wonky, as most of you know from reading this blog, so I only got a few hours of sleep before my mom and I headed out to Wildlife Safari (it’s about 40 minutes from where I live). Our plan was to wander the village and see all the animals there and have a picnic lunch.

We got there fairly early in the day and a lot of the animals were still sleeping or not out in their enclosures yet, but they started waking up as we were wandering around. I got some photos and videos of various animals. I posted some of the pictures on my Instagram. I was able to see all of the animals I wanted to see in the village except capybara and mom got to see her favorite lemurs. I stayed at the red panda exhibit for a while chatting with them, since they are my favorites.

I forgot that the village is on an incline though, which was the only bad thing. Coming back uphill was really hard on mom’s heart, but we sat down for lunch right after, so she was able to rest and take it easy. I knew that I would have issues with my back with all of the walking, but I did a lot of leaning on railings for support when looking at the animals and took breaks to sit as needed. I talked to my brother about an annual pass so we could do the drive thru. They have one for 2 adults and 2 guests that’s reasonably priced. Otherwise, I don’t think we’ll be taking too many more trips with mom, which is a bummer because she likes it there.

We got home in the early afternoon and mom and I both crashed out and slept for a bit. Then I made a taco salad (which was more of a layered dip without lettuce) and cut my birthday cake.

All in all it was a really good day, though I did have a couple of moments, I shook them off quickly.