Thursday, July 9, 2009

Monterey & Carmel

We drove down to Monterey & Carmel on Friday the 3rd of July. We started out around 1 o'clock and as we started driving we wondered why there was so much traffic. Well duh?! We realized that a lot of people were off the day before the 4th and everyone would be heading out of town. This was just a little reminder of what we don't miss about California. We miss a lot of things but this isn't one of them. It took us over 2 1/2 hours to get there from San Jose but we had such a great time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel that we didn't mind at all.






We loved seeing all the different kinds of jellyfish. I had no idea there was such variety.

Do you see the seahorse? The New Seahorse Exhibit was fascinating and worth seeing. We almost missed it but I'm happy we didn't.

Here we are standing outside of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Next we headed toward Carmel and did the 17-mile drive. It's one of our favorite things to do and I loved watching my family and taking pictures of them. I let my family walk down to the water's edge and I enjoyed standing back and catching moments like these.


Mark and Kenna

Father and Son

Ariel

The next three pictures are my favorites of each of the three of my children that came on this trip. My oldest is married and stayed home with her family. She was sad that they couldn't come with us this time.

Mark

Kenna

Ariel

While we were at the beach we just had to do some Ariel the Mermaid poses on the rock. It was fun and I could bore you to death with all of the pictures I took.

Just to end this post I wanted to show you one of my favorite Victorian homes along the coastline near Lover's Point. It's called Seven Gables Inn and it's a bed and breakfast Inn. We've stayed there a few times and loved it. Very quaint and beautiful.

14 comments:

blushing rose said...

We loved living in Monterey. There is so much history in Seaside, Pacific Grove, Monterey & Carmel. Cannery Row is so picturesque, the ocean is breathtaking, 17-mile drive is gorgeous, the mountains surrounding are so pretty. You captured some beautiful pics. Glad you had such a good time.

TTFN ~Marydon

Tudy said...

Sounds like a nice trip.

Patty said...

Looks like a good time. You have a beautiful family =->

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

I miss all those places too! (I grew up there) Luckily though, my Aunt still lives there, so we have a reason to visit! :) I love all the places you went! Sounds like you had a fabulous weekend.

Betsy said...

lovely family and looks like evryone is having such fun.

Pat said...

LOVED seeing these photos (well....if truth be told, maybe the traffic photo wasn't too exciting....LOL). Thanks for sharing these with us. I've never had the opportunity to visit that area and doubt I ever will, so it's nice to see these pictures. The family photos are all so special, too!

Nedra said...

Your post made me feel like I'd been home for a day. I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the drive down the Carmel Coast. Looks like you had nice weather once you battled the traffic.

Material Mary said...

Looks like you are having a very fun time. Enjoy your vacation.
Mary

Lori Holt said...

I love the photos of your beautiful family...love Ariels polka dot top and Kennas ballcap...looks like you had a great time:)

Mel said...

Nice pictures, my family would love to go to the ocean and I would love to stay at that charming B&B!!

erica e said...

oh wow! we just barely missed you because we were there on the 1st! great aquarium. the jellies were my favorite! thanks for sharing your pictures. what a fun vacation.

Thimbleanna said...

Gorgeous pictures Kim! It looks like you had a fantastic time. I'd love to go to the aquarium someday -- it looks fascinating.

Micki said...

Loved the pics of Carmel. I vacationed there once long ago, and it was lovely!
Micki

Unknown said...

Don't you just love that yellow house? I always go to Monterey and have Fish and Chip on the Boardwalk when I fly to CA to see my family. I have yet to see the Aquarium.. my Uncle that drives doesn't like to stand in line.... One day I will see it I hear its fantastic to visit. Aren't the houses fantastic on Carmel?? I know you had a great time other than bumper to bumper traffic :(