Monterey Getaway

When we were in Monterey for Rowan's 2nd birthday party we decided to make it a weekend trip for ourselves as well. It had been awhile since we took a trip as a family and thought this would be perfect. 
Saturday morning we left early to get to Rowan's party on the beach. After the party we went to our hotel to take showers and nap for a little bit. At dinner time we met up with the group of friends there to celebrate Rowan's birthday: Marissa & Justin and Meagan & Garrett (Rowan's parents). Once dinner was all said and done with we walked along the wharf. On the way back to the car we picked up some yummy icecream then headed back to the hotel. Once back to the hotel we all decided to take a dip in the pool and hot tub until it closed. I think we were down there for maybe 30 mins to an hour. Everyone came back to our room for some more chit chat. It was so much fun going out with a group of friends out of our normal realm. Each couple headed back to where they were staying for some shut eye. 
The next day our friends Marissa, Justin, and little Jordan met at our hotel for some breakfast buffet before we all headed our separate ways. Jay, Bri'elle, and I then made our way to the aquarium. I vaguely remember if when my parents took us to Monterey when I was younger if we went to the aquarium or not. Jay hadn't been and neither had Bri'elle so it was definitely a great first time experience for all of us. It was so neat seeing the sea (ocean) life and everything that it contains. Bri'elle was so excited for everything. She was learning so much just from being there. 
After the aquarium we went to grab lunch on the wharf. The place we stopped at was amazing. It was right on the water. Where we were seated looked out from the beach to the water. It was also nice because it kept Bri'elle entertained just sitting there and watching everything on the beach to the water. They also had the best clam chowder bowl I think I have ever had. It was smothered in melted garlic butter with the chowder poured right on top. It definitely satisfied my palate along with Bri'elles (we shared). 
We did some more walking. Daddy surprised us girls when we went to the Ghirardelli store and bought us a couple yummy treats. He knows the way to his girls' hearts. It was so nice just walking with my little family throughout the wharf stopping at all the neat little shops. Once we made our round through the wharf we went back to the aquarium to soak up the last bit of ocean spray (haha!). We stopped in the gift shop to let Bri'elle pick out one stuffed animal and a book. She was so happy with her items. 
Our last stop was the Dennis the Menace Park. oh my goodness, if you haven't been there you definitely have to make a trip there. It's like a child's dream park with all the different structures to play on. The creativity on how they made it was just amazing to see. We all had a blast here. 

Our trip went by so fast but it was surely a well worth it trip. We are hoping to go again real soon!

 Until Next time Monterey!!!!

<3