Life with Dylan

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  • Dylan’s Birthday Wish for the Tigers

    Dylan has always loved animals and over the past year his love has become more of a way of life. He would rather watch documentaries about animals than cartoons and has been collecting animal reference books since before he could even read. Adopting animals is second nature to him and he wants to be a zookeeper when he grows up.

    Knowing this about him, it should not have surprised me when he told me what he wanted for his 9th birthday – yet what he said took my breath away and was probably the proudest moment in my life as his mother. On a recent visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for Endangered Species Day, we had the opportunity to meet Joan Embery and hear her speak about the wonderful conservation efforts that have been made over the past 40 years.

    Dylan listened so intently to every word said. I do believe he stopped breathing for a moment when she announced that an anonymous donation was being made to the new Tiger Trail in the amount of $9 million. However, there was a catch. They must raise $2 million by the end of 2012 to get the $9 million. He turned to me and said, “Mom, I want to help too”

    At this moment there was no doubt in my mind that he was sincere. After reading about the new Tiger Trail and seeing sketches of what the exhibit would look like when completed, it was time to start planning. When Dylan learned that making a $1,000 donation would allow him to have his name inscribed along with other Tiger Trail Sponsors on a recognition plaque at the entrance to the new exhibit his eyes lit up.

    I explained this was a lot of money – then he surprised me again. “Mom, I don’t want birthday presents or a party. I just want money to help the tigers” …
    Wow! Did this just come out of an 8-year old child’s mouth?

    I told him if he was going to ask people for donations to help him reach his goal that they would want to know why this was so important to him. So I asked him a few questions.

    Why do you want to help build Tiger Trail?
    “Because the tigers need a safe home to live. They can’t do anything about the poachers who want to kill them in the wild. Tiger Trail will give them more freedom and more room to play and interact with others.”

    What will it mean to you to have your name inscribed on a plaque at the new exhibit?
    “Everything! It will mean everything to me. It will make me very, very happy and proud because it means that I helped the tigers and made a difference in their lives.”

    So there you have it. Dylan’s birthday wish is to donate $1,000 to Tiger Trail. 

    I contacted the Zoological Society of San Diego to see what could be done. An honorarium has been established in Dylan’s name and all donations made through this link, with the information entered as explained below, will be credited to him. By selecting Dylan Fryer as the honoree and making a donation through this link, you will be helping Dylan and the tigers, plus your donation to the Zoological Society of San Diego is tax-deductible.

    Dylan will only receive credit for your donation if his name is entered as the honoree and Tiger Trail is selected as the gift designation. 

    Here is a screen shot of the donation page with instructions for the Honorary donation.

    Honoree: Dylan Fryer
    Send notification to: Michelle Fryer

    Dylan’s birthday is in July and his goal is to raise the $1,000 by July 31st.

    As a special thank you, Dylan will be sending a set of tiger note cards (handmade from pictures I took of the tigers at the San Diego Zoo) to everyone who donates $25 or more.

    In order to protect the privacy of the donors, the Zoological Society of San Diego is unable to release any personal information to me; including donation amount, email address, and mailing address. If you have made a donation of $25 or more and would like the note cards, please email me your name and mailing address to mlynnfryer@gmail.com

    Thank you for helping make a birthday wish come true for Dylan and for the Tigers of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

    I would like give special thanks to Liane, from the Zoological Society of San Diego, for all of her help in setting up the donations and tracking the donations made in Dylan’s honor.




    *Update*
    Dylan’s story appeared on the front page of the Newport Beach Independent on June 22, 2012.

  • Wordless Wednesday – Slow and Steady

    Happy World Turtle Day!

    These gentle animals have roamed the earth for almost 200 million years and it is estimated that they will disappear within the next 50 years due to habitat destruction, cruel pet trade, and the exotic food industry.

    Giant sea turtles and desert tortoises may be slow, but we all remember the story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady always wins the race.

  • Creating memories at the San Diego Zoo

    Yes, as you know Dylan and I spend lots of time in San Diego. Starting to think we should just move down there – but that is another story. Over the Mother’s Day weekend we had the opportunity to attend a VIP tweet-up during the Garden Festival at the San Diego Zoo – so I figured we could make a weekend out of it and have some fun. Together, we shared some amazing experiences and created memories that will last a lifetime. Of course I documented the 20+ hours spent at the zoo with over 500 pictures … don’t worry, I’m not going to post all of them. 

    Day 1 started bright and early leaving home at 7 a.m. so we could get to the San Diego Zoo in time to see the macaw fly over and be one of the first people in the zoo. The Garden Fest tweet-up started promptly at 9:30 a.m. and Dylan didn’t want to be late. We were treated to a behind the scenes look at some creepy crawlies in the Insect House. One of Dylan’s favorite places to visit at the zoo – and one that took me some getting use to a few years ago. 
    Dylan was always front and center asking Kelli and Paige a million questions. He was in his element. Thanks for being so patient with him ladies – and fellow tweeps 🙂 
    Since it was the Garden Festival I took my time looking at all the beautiful flowers on display and at the various exhibits. Sometimes I get so caught up with the animals that I forget the San Diego Zoo is considered a world-class botanical garden. 
    After making our usual route through the zoo, we decided to make one more stop at the tigers in hopes of seeing them. When we went by earlier, the tigers were way up at the top and we like seeing them up close. Boy were we in for a treat! 
    Not only did we get to see the tigers, but we were front and center for play time in the water. After 20 minutes and taking close to 50 pictures, we peeled ourselves away from the glass so others could get a look.

  • Seeing the world through a photographic lens

    Now that I am not doing a million different things, I have found the time to enjoy a hobby of mine – photography. I have always liked taking pictures, what mom doesn’t like taking pictures of her kid? Aside from birthdays, holidays, and documenting family outings, I didn’t really think much about my subjects.

    After a few tips from friends and spending some time learning what my new camera can actually do, I have discovered that I’m not all that bad of a photographer. As much as I love taking pictures of my son, my favorite things to photograph are really flowers, animals, and anything nature. I love capturing the details in a flower that so often go unnoticed and the personality of an animal that can speak volumes about a species.

    Since taking the time to focus on my hobby, I see the world in a different way. I find myself pulling over on the side of the road or stopping mid-stride because I notice the way the light is hitting something. I look up more than before and see the depth of the trees – the beauty of the clouds.

    I am going to read some books on photography that another friend recommended to learn more and then when I feel confident, I am going to buy a “real camera”. I love the Cannon that I have and it takes decent pictures, but imagine what I could do with a Cannon Rebel.
    I just can’t justify the cost until I am a better photographer – but who knows, the camera might make me a better photographer!

    What is your favorite subject to photograph?

    Connect with me on Flickr – I would love to see your photographs.

  • Happy Endangered Species Day!

    Whether you have a favorite endangered species or not, today is a day to create awareness worldwide about the animals that may be extinct sooner than you think. Sure, many of these animals can be seen in zoos, but what about in the wild? Species need to thrive in their natural habitat and reproduce to ensure their survival for many years to come.

    Many species are listed as endangered and even more as vulnerable. Although I wish all animals were off the endangered species list, I have a soft spot for the tigers.

    Extinction is forever, Endangered means we still have time.

    Believe it or not, poaching and smuggling of animals does exist and is more common than you think. A recent story of illegal exotic animal carcases found near Bangkok is just another reason that I feel it important to bring awareness to people about conservation.

    Dylan and I will be spending today at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to celebrate Endangered Species Day and the 40th anniversary of the park. For 40 years, the park has been making a difference, raising awareness, and inspiring others to do the same. There is no other place I would rather be on this special day.

    While one person can’t save all the animals, one person can make a difference. Get involved and join a group of others who want the same – San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy is working together to bring these animals back from the brink of extinction. Some species like the tigers and rhinos have a long way to go, but others have had great success.

  • 5 easy ways to recycle almost anything

    When most people think of recycling, what comes to mind is aluminum cans and plastic water bottles. Why? Well, because we pay a CRV when we buy them and want our money back – right? For some people yes, this is the only reason to recycle.

    However, there are quite a few people who recycle because they care about the environment and want to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible. I’m one of those people.

    When we recycle cans and plastic bottles my son gets to keep the money. He usually gets about $6 a month – which isn’t a lot, but to a kid money is money. He also knows that he is helping the environment.


    As a family, we recycle almost everything. There is a bin that all newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and all paper products go into. We even flatten cardboard boxes from cereal, crackers, and soda cases. If you think about it, almost every type of paper packaging can be recycled. Once a month I take the bin to my work were they have a recycling program that earns the school money. I am helping the school out and keeping the landfills a little smaller.

    All glass jars and wine bottles also get recycled. We either take them to them recycling center with our cans, or I use them for other things like plants or storing beans and nuts. This type of glass doesn’t have a cash value, but that is not why we recycle.

    Now what about all those cans of soup and beans in your cupboard? Easy-peasy. Tear off the label and rinse out the can. These also go to the recycling center. Again, no cash value – but my carbon footprint sure is getting smaller.

    OK ladies, this one is for you. What do you do with your empty shampoo bottles and moisturizer jars? Or your empty bronzer compact and lipstick tube? You probably throw them in the trash just like I use to do. Stop doing that and start using TerraCycle. It’s easy to join a brigade and all you have to do is ship them your empty containers. TerraCycle does the rest.

    Aside from recycling your containers and packaging, start pre-cycling. Which basically means to think before you buy. Look at the packaging. Does it have the recycle symbol printed someplace on it? Is the packaging minimal?
    I would say close to 80% of what we buy as a family can be recycled and it doesn’t take that much work. Just set up some bins or even some reusable sopping bags and you will be amazed at how quickly they fill up – and how long it takes to fill your trash can!

    Who knows, maybe some of the products you recycle, instead of throw away in a landfill, will be used to make a bench like this one.

    All benches at the San Diego Zoo are made from recycled materials.



    What type of recycling do you do in your home or office?



  • Wordless Wednesday – Bamboo

  • The Mother’s Day I will never forget

    This is only my ninth year as a mom, but it was by far the best Mother’s Day and one that will be hard to top. We spent the weekend in San Diego with two full days at the San Diego Zoo – and by full days I mean from open to close.

    Aside from the special Garden Fest tweet-up, Dylan being selected as a volunteer and having a toucan land on his arm (proud Mom moment)

    and about 20 other memorable moments, feeding the giraffes had to top the list.

    I mean really, how many moms can say they got to feed giraffes with their child on Mother’s Day?

  • How does your garden grow?

    I wouldn’t say that I have the greenest thumb, but it’s at least a shade of green and I’m willing to keep trying. I love getting my hands dirty and feeling the earth when I’m planting. I have always had house plants, but living in an apartment doesn’t make it easy to attempt the garden of my dreams. It must be some type of container garden.

    Luckily my son has had good luck with plants and currently has a nice windowsill garden growing. His lima beans were one of three that actually grew out of the entire third grade class and his basil is doing quite well.

    The little seedling that he brought home from school is also growing quickly. He told me that it is a Golden Trumpet tree – I guess only time will tell.

    This weekend we are heading down to San Diego to attend the Garden Festival at the San Diego Zoo in hopes to learn a few gardening tricks and venture outside of the windowsill. Maybe design a little balcony garden.

    Oh, and of course we are going to see the animals too!

    Do you have a garden? We would love to see pictures of your garden. Tweet your garden pictures to @bchbby and maybe we can get a little inspiration from you.

  • Wordless Wednesday – Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

    A beautiful butterfly seen at the Environmental Nature Center Spring Faire and Butterfly House Opening