Going South

Today was such a fun day!

We got up when we woke up and didn't feel rushed but worked with the intention of getting out the door to head south. We were rolling about 8am to Monterey to visit the aquarium. We made one stop for some Starbucks but made it in good time. The views were spectacular, often reminding us of SW VA with the balds and rolling hills. I had read online to buy tickets ahead of time and pick them up at will call and so glad we did - we skipped right to the head of the line. We weren't in the place long before the kids were asking for lunch, so we stepped out for quick early picnic lunch, then back inside for more fun. The special exhibit was a jellyfish and octopus one which was fantastic! The jellyfish were just stunning and the lighting and exhibits were superbly done to highlight the beautiful creatures. There were other fantastic exhibits as well including a kelp forest 2 stories high. They had several open sea tanks that housed sharks and tuna and grouper and the like, Sam especially liked the sharks. There were also touching exhibits where Sam really enjoyed feeling hermit crabs, kelp and starfish. Hannah wasn't so into that but she found other things to occupy her. The aquarium is on the water and allows one to look outside at a group of rocks were sea lions were resting and otters were playing around in the water - it was remarkable. Our last exhibit were the sea otters and they were so fun! I could have stayed there for hours - they were playful and engaging. They were so funny trying to get the fish out of the balls the staff had given them. We all enjoyed them. After some in time the gift shop we headed back up north.

We had hoped to head to Big Sur but felt that would be too far South so we decided to head home via US 1 and go through Santa Cruz. I found a yummy seafood restaurant on the water with good reviews form Trip Advisor - Aldo's. It did not disappoint! We were there early so there were no crowds. The kids had non-seafood fare but we enjoyed the seafood. There calamari were a treat - Sam called them "grimalachi" (hee-hee). I had super yummy mahi-mahi fish tacos and Brent had a seafood stew with all sorts of seafood - Sam was happy to help with that. The light and water were gorgeous! We ate outside on the deck right at the entrance to the harbor. After dinner we walked down the lighthouse then out on the beach where we improvised swim suits for the kids and let them have fun in the Pacific Ocean - what fun! We headed home using old fashion navigation b/c both of our phones had died taking so many pics but made it back just fine. The light of the evening was amazing and the skies were surprisingly clear. We ended the day by driving up to the Bernal Hill and walking/climbing to the top. The kids and Brent decided to take a shortcut up the hill which was a real challenge for me. I wanted to go but became panicky clambering up the loose-dirt side of the hill that was very steep. I realized I had to suck it up and do it for the sake of the kids but boy did it leave me feeling anxious. I was so impressed and touched by Hannah - she gave me quite the pep talk when I got to the top sharing how she was scared of some things too but that Daddy Hop Hop helped her feel better and so she shared him with me. Once on the top I was better and views were spectacular! We soaked those views in of the entire city before slowly making our way down the hill via the paved trail. We did get some great shots but not all the pics we wanted b/c our camera died as well. We hope to return tomorrow for another view with fully charged devices. Tomorrow is our last full day in the city. We had thought to do the Marin Headlands but have instead decided to to the Presidio with Judy, John and Andrea and Gabriella as well as Evan and Kates if they are able to get up :) Not sure what we will do on the Wed morning before we fly out but think it will involve a good breakfast and a playground.