Monterey for the Day

Last Saturday we went to Monterey for the day with my parents. This was Ava's first time to Monterey and we were excited to show her some of our favorite things. Of course at the top of that list is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This was a good weekend to go because the river otter exhibit was leaving, the new seahorse exhibit was open, and there was another great white shark on display.

When we got there we put Ava in her stroller and headed to the outer bay exhibit first to see the great white shark. We were able to roll Ava right up to the glass and she loved watching all the fish go by. She was mesmerised and definitely shares the love of fish with her dad.

Next we went to the seahorse exhibit. Luckily we brought the baby bjorn because strollers were not wanted inside. It worked out great because I was able to get Ava up close and at eye level to all the seahorses. She enjoyed them, but not as much as the outer bay. I really enjoyed the Sea Dragons and the Pot Belly Seahorses. It was a nice exhibit and we look forward to seeing it again...but hopefully on a weekday with less people.

By this time Ava was hungry, so we fed her and then saw the river otters. The African otters were taking a nap on some logs, but the Asian otters were moving all around. We enjoyed watching them swim quickly threw the water. We also got a laugh out of one of the otters bizarre head swinging behavior.Since Ava got to eat we thought we should feed ourselves too. Of course we headed to Archies Diner up the hill to get garlic fries (our tradition). Rich and I shared a delicious chicken sandwich and a platter of super yummy garlic fries. I was naughty and let Ava have a taste of the fry. I didn't let her eat any, but thought it was okay for her to have a taste. Well, she definitely is our girl because once I took it out she grabbed the fry and shoved it back in her mouth.After lunch it was back to the aquarium to see the rest of the exhibits. It was getting to be Ava's nap time so I wanted to let her see the touch pool before she fell asleep...bad idea. Instead of it being exciting she hated to the cold water and would get upset everytime Rich had her touch something. She did enjoy watching all the other people touch the animals and kelp though...she really is a people watcher.After annoying Ava with the touch pool we put her in the stroller so she could nap and we could see everything else. Rich and my parents enjoyed the exhibits up close while I enjoyed them through the crowds of people with a sleeping baby.

Ava woke up before we left so we went to the splash zone. We saw the smelly penguins and made sure to take our first family photo in the clam (another tradition). Since Ava is still pretty little she didn't care about all the fun activities...maybe next year.

After leaving the aquarium we walked down cannery row to get Ghirardelli Sundays (this is why we shared our lunch). Rich and I shared a delicious brownie sunday and Ava was lucky enough to get a taste. This is something we do now and then when we visit the aquarium, but I think we will have to make it a new tradition.

At this point we were all tired from the lack of sleep, so it was time to head home. Of course we stopped at the Gilroy outlets to check out my favorite store Le Creuset. I didn't plan on buying anything, but to my surprise Rich decided to buy me the 2.5 quart heart pot for my birthday. I have been wanting this pot for a couple years and Rich made my dreams come true...what an awesome husband!

After the outlets we were all definitely done for the day and headed to my parents. Poor Ava usually does well in the car, but by this point in the day she had it and screamed for about 20 minutes...it was so sad. At my parents we let Ava roll around and be free while we enjoyed the checkered board cake my mom made for my birthday...soooo GOOD! Then time to head back to Rancho. Luckily Ava slept all the way home.