Monterey Magic

Steve, Rachel, and Nathan all agree that the trip to Monterey was much better than a trip to So Cal (especially when we've just been blessed to hang out with the McDowells). And state unequivocally (note: one family member does not share the majority opinion)that they would prefer to vacation there in the future instead of Disneyland .

Here are some of their reasons why: (the MUCH shorter car trip goes without saying).

1. We'll start with the lamest reason: More time in front of the t.v.

Thursday, Jan. 7, was going to be a big night for Steve, whose cheap wife won't pay for cable or satellite, leaving him football deprived (and it was big until Colt-what's-his-name got hurt). We were super blessed to have Jessica recommend the wonderful Clarion to us. We were able to get a room with a fireplace, two queen beds--one in its own separate room, and two tvs which greatly cut down on familial conflict. Our kids were old enough, independent enough, and motivated enough (having a television set all to themselves) that Steve and I were able to leave them behind when we went to Cannery Row one evening for whine-free strolling and Ghiradelli-sundae enjoying just the two of us. (They had already enjoyed sundaes after pizza at California Pizza Kitchen that evening.) Cell phones allow for some surprising expansion of freedom.

The kids just love the thrill of hotel living. Here they are donning the complimentary robes for an outing to the ice machine at 9:00 at night.
Don't you just love Rachel's "Really-mom-MUST-you-interrupt-the-flow-of-my-life-for-picture-taking" look?

2. The fabulous indoor heated pool & hot tub. It was big, deep enough for diving (8 1/2 feet and we ignored the sign), and virtually void of other swimmers.


3. The Aquarium. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the passes. All of the aquarium pictures are on Nathan's camera and I can't currently figure out how to retrieve them. The second week of January is an awesome time to go to the aquarium--there was almost no one there. It felt almost eerie--I've never been there when it wasn't wall to wall people. The Secret Life of Seahorses exhibit was very cool, but the jellies are still my favorite.


4. The Tide Pools
While she didn't enjoy the smell....

She did enjoy the amazing finds





5. The Wildlife


Nathan has learned to not to get too close to head-bobbing geese.

6. The Ocean
Steve said he could sit and watch the ocean for hours. He was grateful that he could get Nathan to sit with him for a few minutes and watch the giant sprays as the waves crashed on the big rocks in front of them. Nathan enjoyed climbing the rocks more than sitting on them.



7. The Beach, the Beach, and the Beach
Yes, my crazy children did both immerse themselves in the Pacific Ocean off the Northern California coast in January.


8. Dennis the Menace Park
You have to understand a little history to fully appreciate Nathan's questions about the park's Train Engine. Amongst other experiences, this past summer a gentleman from the street on the other side of the park at the end of our cul-de-sac came running over from his backyard to yell at Nathan to get down from his LOFTY position in the redwood tree, despite the fact that Steve was there carefully monitoring his progress.
Nathan, "Dad are you sure we can climb on this? Are you sure its okay? Are you sure we can climb on this and no one will come and yell at us?"