Everybody's happy in California

Getting back after the Holidays. We spent Christmas in Monterey, CA, with my husband's sister, her husband, and Collin's mother and father. The house was cozy, the jam sessions relaxing and the games competitive. We did so much and these were my favorites:

-went to a wonderful service at church in Kendra's ward
-celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas and attended a beautiful Catholic mass.
-visited the Monterey Aquarium (this was Fred's favorite!!!!!)
-went on a drive up the coast and saw multi-million dollar homes and unleaded gas for $5.99/gallon!
-went to the pier and walked through romantic gardens and saw boats and water
-had hot dogs and s'mores (with crackers instead of Graham's) on the beautiful beach
-saw the movie, Les Mis, and loved it and haven't talked talking about it and crying and being inspired by it (a whole other blog post coming)
-got away for a romantic breakfast with Collin and Fred and eavesdropped on all the hilarious conversations and happened upon the cutest and coolest thrift shop
-visited the oldest functioning church in California
I understand why their area was voted most romantic.

Frederick loved everything we did out doors. He did so well with flying. He's just a really happy guy.

Fisherman's Wharf, monterey

Saw cute historic buildings, sea lions, tried clam chowder from every restaurant on the pier (which got gross after a while), had a v white chocolate macadamia nut caramel apple, and breathed in that fresh seafood air. Frederick loved the sights, people, and falling asleep in the carrier on my back.




















 

The Monterey Aquarium

Best time ever tonight at the aquarium in monterey! Feed was obsessed with running from gigantic tank to gigantic tank, seeing, waving to, and even talking with the fish. It was totally beautiful and romantic in there. The lighting was wonderful. <br>
After seeing all the awesome fish and sharks, touching and holding tons of different kinds of seaweed, star fish, and even feeling a slimy cute mantra ray, we walked around the board walk type downtown, enjoyed the breeze and ocean air, and ate a Napoleon pastry (best thing I've ever had EVER,) rated drinking chocolate at Ghiradelli, then had some delicious french fries to balance it all out. The streets and shops remind me of Galway, Ireland.
Super fun family outing!