We realized a couple weeks ago that the past weekend would be the last long one until May. So, we decided to pack it up and take a little family break. First stop: Monterey Bay Aquarium!
It turns out, we weren’t the only ones trying to take advantage of the 3-day weekend. Luckily, we had purchased our tickets prior to going and were able to bypass the ticket line… and head straight to the going inside line. We finally made it in and the place was packed like… well, sardines!
Okay, these may be mackerels. Funny… fish, am I right people?
It was just droves of parents, walking around the aquarium, clutching their sleeping children in their arms. So we fit right in.
There was a huge tank with a bunch of sea animals... two of which were very large turtles.
I imagined that the two turtles were in love. At one point, they were swimming towards eachother (very slowly and steadily) and I got excited thinking they were going to kiss! But they just ended up colliding with eachother, head first.
Of everything we saw, our favorite exhibit was the jellyfish.
Their graceful nature was mesmerizing. They are like nature's lava lamps.
After the aquarium, we had dinner overlooking a boat parking lot. But because everything is a million times more romantic in the ocean, it was the perfect view!
I admit, it was weird eating for dinner, what we had just been admiring at the aquarium. I also admit, it was delicious!
Traveling with a little one requires lots of preparation. We brought the bath, baby shampoo, wash cloths, a bedsheet for the crib the hotel provided, hooded towel, pajamas, sleep sack, and air filter. And that’s the stuff we needed for bedtime only.
We always go to the same hotel where the closet is large and has a curtain that we can drape over the crib. Yes, I put the crib in the closet. It’s dark and cozy… don’t judge me. That way, our baby happily slept while we kept the lights on and even watched some Downton Abbey!
The next morning, we headed to Santa Cruz Boardwalk where we rode a few rides and ate a swirly potato.
It was a wonderful family weekend. May can't come sooner!