Last Day of Our Vacation - Carmel 5-26-09

Unfortunately our vacation had to come to end just as it felt like it was really starting. Since we hadn't been to the beach yet because of the overcast weather, we decided to go to Carmel, where it was suppose to be 10-15 degrees warmer compared to Monterey, as told to us by a Monterey local.

Before we hit the beach we had to get fueled up and stopped in at this cute little breakfast cottage called The Comfort. They had such a great breakfast with ample portions.

FYI: If you're wondering why I look like a homeless snowman in my beach get-up, it's because I forgot my jacket so I had to wear Jer's and I'm wearing PJ bottoms because... well, I'm just lazy and getting dressed takes a lot of effort with a 2 1/2 year old sometimes. :)

At the breakfast cottage.

After breakfast it was BEACH PARTY TIME!
We were trying to wrangle him in for pictures... ... And it wasn't happening.
Mommy had to chase after him... Gotcha! Carmel Beach, CA "Come and get me water!"Daddy had to save Ju from getting swept away.
Julian's pants were soaked so we let him go semi-European style.
Julian trying to erase my creation. Trying to hide Julian in the sand. Do you see my "thumb" toes, HA HA.The boys conversing about... boy stuff.

We passed near Casa de Fruita on our way up to Monterey and I was telling Jer we should stop there on our way back home. But the conversation never went past talking and no solid plans were made. However, on our way back I fell asleep and the next thing I knew... we had taken a 26 mile detour to Casa de Fruita. It was a lovely surprise.

The story behind Casa de Fruita: When I was a little girl my family would stop there on our way in and out of San Jose. The family stocked up on the world's BEST beef jerky, salt water taffy, fresh fruit and a variety of nuts that we could snack on during our road trips. When we first started going there as a family, Casa de Fruita was just a simple open air market -- nothing fancy. The place has definitely changed and grown a lot in the last 20 years. My Dad has been telling me to take Julian there and now I can say I have. It was really neat to take my son to a place that brings back a lot of good childhood memories.

CASA de FRUITA
Julian LOVES peanuts. Maybe because we told him they're "candy".
At the Casa de Fruita Park Back in the car and on our way home.
Wearing Mommy's sunglasses
"My future's so bright... I gotta wear shades."

And that, Folks, concludes our family's very first vacation to Monterey/Carmel, CA... Hope you enjoyed 'cause we certainly did.