Monterey Day Trip

We took advantage of the markets being closed for Good Friday and headed to Monterey for the day. These things are always more complicated and exhausting than they first appear. Jackson's been pretty fussy and whiny in the car, so it wasn't the quietest ride but we got there eventually. Then the idea of picking up lunch is so much more difficult with the kids. I learned how much easier it is to bring a brown bag lunch than popping into a deli...Anyway, we did have fun on a windy, sun soaked day at the ocean.

At "Dennis the Menace" park. As usual, watching other kids for a long time before he'll give the roller slide a try. Also telling Dan not to assist him.

At the ocean. He hates the wind in his face, but overcame that annoyance by throwing sand and getting soaked, which wasn't planned.

Getting cleaned up.

Little modeling shot. This was before Dan also got soaked chasing Jackson into the ocean.

Then we thought it would be fun to walk on Fisherman's Wharf and get clam chowder and fudge. I was surprised that Jack tried the chowder and tolerated it since he's so picking, but not surprised that he was more miserable trying to share the fudge then if he had never seen it to begin with.

  

Exploring

Little Lady's Getting Big!

 At our friend Christa's shower, Cosette is a little doll! I love having a sweet baby girl to bring along.

Loving the bath

SF Zoo

My sister and I took the kids to the SF zoo this week and we felt like we needed several more adults to help, mainly with Jackson. Cosette was pretty content, as usual, but Jackson is getting a taste for running off in any direction. Very exhausting, but a beautiful zoo, especially the Africa section with so many views of the majestic giraffes and gorillas.

I love this zoo's location right on Ocean Beach. You get that ocean breeze and salty feel throughout the zoo. Jack liked the "gaffs" and "eees" (giraffes and monkeys) the best, but the lions and sea lions were a close second along with the grizzlies and hippos.

Little Sweetie loves the new ergo and her Auntie

 Jackson was very interested in wandering off and this field provided an excellent opportunity for safe wandering.

 Chasing birdies in the aviary.

  And those birds got their revenge.

We had a great day and were drop-dead tired at the end of 4 hours.

 She's loving her butterfly life!