Day 2 - Monterey Bay Aquarium 5-25-09

On the second day of our vacation the family went to the Montery Bay Aquarium. We thought that since Julian LOVES fish that he was really going to enjoy the Aquarium. While he did enjoy the parts of the aquarium where he could touch everything, he wasn't as excited or in awe of just looking at the fish. Typical 2 year old, right? Jeremy and I certainly did enjoy it (whenever Julian wasn't melting down from having missed his nap). The MBA had some really amazing and beautiful exhibits. We will definitely be taking Julian back there when he's a little bit older and can appreciate it more.

Otter Aquarium

Outside on the Observatory Deck

Looking at the Tidal Wave Exhibit from the outside.

Ju was trying to chase a Pigeon

An Otter!The Sardine Exhibit

The Shark Tank, A school of Fish

Jules looking at the Shark

A funny picture of Julian in the Peanut Shell Jellyfish Ju looking into the lens Julian seeing what it's like to have dolphin flippers Baby Seahorses Another Seahorse Exhibit Large Seahorse Exhibit

Our family sent an electronic post-card to the "governator" regarding the protection of ocean wildlife.

The sign says we can take a picture with the Seahorse. I wonder if it mentioned anything about letting our wild child hang off of it. The Touch Pool A Sponge

This picture is actually sideways. If you turn your head to left and look at the middle bottom, you can see a very interesting look crab that "decorated" himself for protection.

A Starfish

A very hungry fish. SHARK!!!!! The Tidal Pool from the inside.A REALLY cute Parrot Fish who looks like he's smiling. Right after I read the sign the fish started eating. We never did see him "make" coral reef sand though. Ha ha.

Kisses!

Happy as Clams.

JUMP! "We see Daddy! Ju in a Penguine's egg.

He came down the stairs by himself....

... And then ran up the escalator and Jer had to run after him. (Click on the pic to see Julian's "I'm satisfied with myself" face. It's hilarious.)

We left the aquarium at closing and then headed to Aunt Jennie's hotel so that she could watch Julian while I took Jer to dinner at the The Whaling Station for his bithday.

Before we went out.

Videos from the Monterey Bay Aquarium:

Jer's 31st Birthday & Day 1 of Holiday in Monterey 5-24-09

Because of our late night shenanigans with Aunt Jen and Luis the night before, getting up at 8:30 am and traveling back to our house to pack was rather difficult. When we arrived home we lounged for a little while, ate breakfast, packed, made a quick run to Target for last minute trip items and then traveled to Dublin to pick Julian up from Cousin Caneisha. We finally departed from Dublin down to Monterey around 5:50 pm... 5.5 hours behind schedule. Ha ha.

Right before Ju crashed.

Jer driving down to Monterey.
The scene driving into Monterey

Since we arrived late into Monterey we didn't go out to eat as planned. Instead we relaxed for a while before ordering room service.

Mommy completely exhausted.

Daddy opening up his presents which Julian though were his.

"No, it's MY birday!" A beard and nose hair trimmer! Wahoo! Daddy jungle gym. "I'm Superman!" LEAP! ... And a safe landing. Rock out.

We went swimming after we ate dinner and then ate more (birthday cake) after our swim.

Make a wish.

He just couldn't understand why Dad was blowing out "his" birthday candles. Tantrums and trying to steal Dad's birthday is really exhausting!

Happy 31st Birthday Jeremy! (Remember: 31 is the new 18)

Some Firsts

• Sunday, May 31st, was the first time we brought Julian to the movie theatre. We saw "Up" with Cousins Caneisha, Desmond, Sarai, Avey, Bella, Mia and Jr. Julian loved the movie. It was really cute and we recommend everyone see it.
• Yesterday, June 2nd, was the first time Julian woke up asking to go potty and actually went potty in the toilet. Usually he asks to go but ends up going in his diaper and then just sits on the toilet with no production. Hooray, Julian!
• We recently had our first family vacation in Monterey celebrating Daddy's 31st birthday. More on that in a little while.
• Monday was the first time Julian used the word "definitely" in the right context.
• Cousin Cole has started teething and can now roll over. Go, Cole! I'm sure his Mommy is not as excited about teething though.
• Julian learned how to blow up a balloon a few days ago.

Jer's 31st Birthday Celebration Gets an Early Start... 5-23-09

And so the celebration begins...

Earlier on in the day we dropped Julian off for the night with his cousins so that we could get some packing done at my duplex. 4 hours of packing later we went back home, cleaned up and then traveled to SF so that we could enjoy a nice baby-free dinner with Aunt Jennie and Luis at the House of Prime Rib.

Bay Bridge

Prime Rib!
The meal was delicious - obviously!
At this point we were stuffed.
After the hearty dinner and some wine drinking we traveled to Liberty's Bar. Along the way we stopped in front of a Mexican Restaurant to take some pics.

At Liberty's Bar

Our thoughts on the bartender.
Jer was pretending to be a happy pirate.
Back at Jenn's.

Aunt Jennie making hotel reservations for our Monterey trip.

The only thing missing from this photo is a smoking jacket and pipe.

Shortly after the above picture was taken we crashed at Jen's, who was more than gracious for giving up her bed. Thanks for the awesome dinner, Aunt Jennie!