Fun in the sun

We had our fun in a Southern California vacation recently. It was a daring (and fun) trip that took us on 1500 miles of driving, 2000-3000 miles of flying, through new allergies, crying babies, family, friends, and fun. If it sounds tiring, it was. We needed a few days to get back to normal life after getting home.

We took a trip to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. It was big enough, and the children where finicky enough, that we only managed to see about half of the aquarium.

This little alcove is part of a tidal/wave simulator. Every few minutes a large wave of water would hit. Pretty neat. It also was a good place for every little person to congregate.

Nanna and Emmy

AJ really wants to play in the water.

Daddy, can I go play there. Please...

We also took a trip out to John Denver beach (the place where John Denver crashed). It is a pretty stretch of beach. There are lots of rocks to climb on and to make impressive waves with. There actually was someone surfing a hundred yards or so to the side, I hope it was sandier over there, the stretch we were on was pretty rugged.

Laura, with the waves crashing in the background.

This gave us some time to catch up with family. Aunt Kim has a drum set and karaoke that was popular with the young(ish) crowd. So many ways to make noise.

We also took a trip to Story Bookland in Fresno. It is a neat place for smaller children. The park takes you through several children's stories. At each spot you can use a 'magic' key to start telling the story.

Emmy is starting a story with her 'magic' key.

Emmy is on Captain Hook's pirate ship, in the Peter Pan area.

Let me in, let me in. The wolf will get us.

AJs favorite part was the train that goes around the pond. When we asked if he wanted to ride the train, he started running, full bore, to the train. Here we are with some friends, Crystal and Michelle, waiting for the train to start.

To be continued...