Escape to Monterey

The day after our trip to the Academy of Sciences Rich and I went to Monterey. Ava stayed with Papa and Nona while we enjoyed a couple days alone. We were excited because this was the first time we had been away together. At first we were nervous about leaving Ava, but she was happy to stay with Papa & Nona. She didn't cry when we left and didn't care to talk to us on the phone when we called to check in. I think Rich and I missed her more than she missed us. She was at least happy to see us when we got back and was happy to go home. On our drive down to Monterey it rained. We were a little bummed because most of the things we planned on doing were outside. We were happy that while we were there the rain was intermittent and allowed us to do a few things. The first evening we went tidepooling. We didn't find anything really exciting, but it was fun hunting. We also both enjoyed taking pictures. The next day we went to Carmel and walked around. Neither one of us remember going to Carmel, so we thought it would be something different we could do. We enjoyed looking at the stores and found a few great places. We went to the Cheese Shop and tasted some delicious cheese. We bought a couple kinds and some balsamic cream. We also bought some pear balsamic vinegar at a store called The Bountiful Basket. At that store we were able to do olive oil and vinegar tasting. Now that I think of it most of the places we checked out were food related. We also got a tasty soft pretzel and pastries at an Italian bakery. And before we left we stopped by an old fashion candy shop to get rocky road fudge and pistachio turkish delight. It was all good. After Carmel we headed back to the hotel to rest. It was nice to be able to rest without worrying about a toddler waking you up. Once we were rested we headed to downtown Pacific Grove for the local farmer's market (yes, more food). We were curious to see what the farmer's had to offer. We weren't excited about the produce, but I did a happy dance when I saw a booth for Mrs. Delish's Cupcakes. I wanted to try these cupcakes and now I had the chance. Of course we got suckered into the special deal and bought more than we needed. It was worth it for the cookies and cream cupcake and we took them home to share. After another peaceful night of sleep we headed home. We stopped by the Monarch santuary to see if there were any butterflies left. We saw a dozen or so. Most of them were high in the treetops warming up, so they were hard to see. We also stopped by Happy Girl Kitchen on our way out of town. It is a local shop with homemade preserves, pickles, ketchup, etc. We bought a few things and it inspired me to start canning again. This trip was wonderful. It was short, but quiet and relaxing. It was nice for Rich and I to be alone and not worry about Ava. We knew she was happy and safe, so we could just relax and enjoy being together. It was also nice at night to lay down to sleep and not worry about Ava waking us up at 3am. I was able to relax and actually sleep which is something I haven't done since she was born. When it was time to go home I think we were both ready though. We missed are little girl and it was nice to snuggle her again.