Monterey (days 6&7)

When Jeff said Monterey was one of his favorite places, we had no idea how excellent it would be!  We left Merced early Tuesday morning and decided to take some side roads to shorten the trip through the countryside.  We didn't anticipate passing 8 or so of these farm equipment things on a two-lane road.  Doug was thoroughly irritated.  I always laugh at Doug when he's that frustrated because it is pretty rare.  He is so mild-mannered while I am so...passionate.

We arrived at the Monterey Bay Aquarium after stopping at our hotel and getting the kids down for nap.  The Aquarium was amazing. We spent the next morning at the aquarium as well.

E&S sitting on a glowing Jelly Fish.

A little 'light show' in the middle of the exhibit.

We danced whenever we had the opportunity with music playing.

Including while Doug was changing Sydney and Ethan busted out some dance moves like he had an audience.  I love this kid.

We stopped at the gift shop to see if there was anything worthwhile to take away as a souvenir, but there wasn't.  Sydney started lining up these fish while I glanced through some books.  She has never done that before, so I was a little excited for her.

Wednesday after the aquarium, we stopped at a nearby park that was equally amazing and let the kids play and eat lunch.  It was a Charlie Brown park or something that was huge!

We pulled away later in the afternoon wishing we could spend several days there.  It was like a little San Francisco.  On the way to San Jose, we drove through Santa Cruz while the kids were asleep.  We both agreed we would vacation here in the future when our kids were a little older.  What fun places!
Monterey + Santa Cruz = Marchant vacation 2020.  :-)