Sunday, June 5, 2011

More Vacation...Day 3-5

The next morning we woke up, went to breakfast, and headed to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We were able to have free admission because our kind neighbor from our rental house GAVE us his guest membership passes!! It's amazing to see the kind hand of God throughout life- free passes here, beautiful weather there, yummy food...God delights in giving us good gifts!
Madison was enthralled with watching the fish swim around. She run from one tank to another with such excitement!
Touching starfish and sea slugs with Daddy
One of our highlights was watching these silly penguins! We were able to watch them get fed, too.

Savannah had a fun time watching the fishes swim, playing with her toes, and chewing in her stuffed turtle while at the aquarium!
Touching sting rays
Maddie and Daddy looking at the big shark!
After naps that afternoon, we headed back to Cannery Row and had dinner.
We ate at the Fish Hopper that overlooked the ocean! We had such fun watching the boats, birds, and seals in the port.
Savannah is all smiles! The table next to us asked to take pictures of her! They kept talking about how cute she is...so funny!
After dinner, we went to a couple shops. Madison liked this hat! Jesse and I were laughing because as soon as she tried it on, a bunch of teenagers walked in the store, and Maddie was just mesmerized staring at them!
We found a better hat the next store down :)
I was so excited to find this hat because we already had the exact one for Savannah. When Madison was little my friend Rachel sent us the hat from WA. A lady hand makes each one! Well, she has a store in Monterey, too. So now the girls match :)


Madison tried her best to take a photo of Jesse and I, but she just couldn't get us in the view finder! We were cracking up watching Madison struggle to hold the camera, find us, and push the button. A nice man noticed and took our picture instead.
I love watching these two hold hands walking!
The next morning we had breakfast at Em Le's. We were told about the yummy breakfasts here, and the recommendations were right!
Then we did some shopping in Carmel. This place is aptly named The Cheese Shop. Jesse and I enjoyed tasting so many different cheeses...even the oldest cheese recipe known today. Madison wouldn't come in the store because she said, "It smells like cheese in there...yucky!"
For dinner that night we ended up at the Red House Cafe again.
The next morning, we started the day with a long walk.
Madison started a shell collection, but Daddy said only 2 could come home with us.
We spotted a fawn and her mother on the walk!
Savannah and I chilling on the front porch.
We started our drive home and went through Big Sur. What breathtaking views!
So this place was amazing! We were driving by and I saw a glimpse of the river, so I asked Jesse to pull over. It's called the Big Sur River Inn. It was such a peaceful spot. I'd love to go back and camp near here and stay for a couple days.



Venturing in the freezing water
I loved the chairs right in the river!

A couple miles down the road was THIS place! Can you believe the little water fall into the ocean?! So beautiful!



After this, we booked it home, and arrived at about midnight. We were all pretty tired, but it was totally worth the longer drive!
I'm so thankful for the family God has given me! We had a wonderful vacation together and I treasure these times!

1 comment:

Days Ordained said...

Wow, Deidre! It looks like you had my kind of vacation! Your girls are darling, and the scenery in Monterey is incredible! So glad you had a good time.