Monterey – Day Three – More Pictures and More Aquarium

After dropping Doyle off at work (sorry again, Doyle), we drove down to a beautiful strip along the beach. There were beautiful, large homes and right across the street from them was the ocean.

The boys were pretty excited to be outside (even though it was colder this morning) and Cody took off running as soon as he stepped foot on grass. The poor guy dove face first into the wet grass. That is why he is in a jacket for the pictures. His whole right side was wet. In this picture you can kind of see that his hair is still wet. He didn’t mind, though. He still kept running!

I like how they are both looking in completely opposite directions – at dirt.

Again, the bribe…I mean deal, was to let mommy take pictures of them before walking around and then going to the aquarium. They were so cooperative. They really wanted to go back to the aquarium.

I told the boys to do a fake laugh and I think Cody got carried away. 

Aren’t they cute sitting together enjoying the waves? In reality, Cody is kind of yelling because DJ has one arm behind him and the other in front of him. Cody didn’t appreciate being held in lockdown position. =)

This one I love. They look so endearing and like they get along ALL the time. I think this one needs to be enlarged and framed. That way when they are fighting, I can point to the picture and say “Stop fighting! SEE you guys LOVE each other!”

I couldn’t figure out why Cody kept pointing while I was taking their picture. Then I turned around and figured out why. He was saying…

“Look at that HUGE wave!”

 

One of my challenges lately has been to get DJ to be more natural in front of the camera. He loves to make faces and make “fake smiles” even though I tell him not to smile. This picture was taking while I used one of his own favorite knock-knock jokes.

This one asked for his picture to be taken. Oh and his hair isn’t sticking up…it was windy. Um, ya, it was windy – I’m sticking with that story!

Of course, a trip to the beach has to include rock climbing.

 

Even Cody got involved.

After walking around town to window shop, we finally headed to the aquarium. DJ had 2 priorities:

Otters…

and the octopus…he was in that same position when we were there yesterday.

Our little pearls!

 

DJ and his otter buddies.

We have to go home tomorrow. =( We aren’t ready to leave.

Monterey – Day Two – Boys’ Pictures and the Aquarium

(Note: for those subscribed to the photography blog, too, there are more different pictures posted here too…don’t worry – it’s not the same identical post. (*smile*)

DJ was SO excite for today that as soon as he woke up at 7, he asked if we could head out to the aquarium. Too bad they didn’t open until 10! =)

It was a beautiful morning so after dropping Doyle off at work (sorry, hon) we dropped the car off at the garage and headed out to walk around town before the aquarium opened.

Part of the deal for today was that the boys let me take their picture BEFORE we enjoyed the Aquarium. Okay…it was more of blackmail than a deal, but it worked for me! =)

My favorite picture from today…doesn’t that just yell – I’M HAVING SOOOO MUCH FUN IN MONTEREY!!!

DJ was more into jumping on rocks than sitting on them. I think he stopped at every set of rocks to jump them. According to him, he is practicing to be one of those “urban runners” or whatever you call them – those guys that run and jump off buildings and cliffs and stuff.

It was a nice change of weather from the COLDness of Fairfield. By afternoon, we shed our jackets and were comfortable.

Once the aquarium opened, we had to first stop by the penguin area because feeding was scheduled for 1030.

DJ enjoyed watching the penguins anxious to be fed. Cody yelled at the penguins whenever they swam past him. I think he thought they were trying to get his goldfish crackers.

  

My little penguins in a penguin egg.

Cody using the telescope…it’s above you, buddy!

We saw some really cool animals!

 

This one intrigued us – the Sun Fish. It sure was ugly! The commentator referred to it as “the fish that looks like just a head and someone forgot to give him a body”. =)

The kids loving playing in the play area of the aquarium. Look at Cody’s expression – SO excited!

   

DJ could not wait to touch animals!!!! He really wanted to touch a bat ray, but they were all staying away from everyone. Instead, he enjoyed petting starfish.

We are going back to the aquarium tomorrow…so stay tuned for more pictures!!

Monterey – Day One

 

We are on our first family mini-vacation in Northern California. Well….the kids and I are enjoying ourselves while hubby has to work here. =)

We arrived yesterday and after checking in, went to The Fish Hopper as recommended by our cousin, Chris.

Thanks, Chris! The food was DELICIOUS!!!!

Shh….don’t tell my Weight Watchers group, but my meal was crab stuffed prawns and scallops over asparagus and a portabello mushroom risotto.

Hubby had Abalone and Scallops over a bed of spinach on mashed potatoes.

Cody enjoyed a gourmet meal of grilled cheese and fries. DJ’s fancy dinner (he didn’t want his picture taken because he was chowing down) consisted of a cheese pizza and fries. My boys know fine dining! =)

Afterwards, we walked back to our hotel room, but enjoyed some of the “tourist spots” first.

Student of the Week – DJ’s About Me Poster

Each week someone in DJ’s class takes turn being student of the week. DJ is the student of the week for this week.

He did this same poster in preschool, but he was very proud that he could now write and draw for this poster so mommy only “helped” with this one.

He came up with his own answers and told me what he needed to decorate that block. It was interesting to see how much of his answers had changed in a year.

Maybe I will look for the preschool one and post it on here too. =)

 

 

Any guesses as to what the animal is???

This one is Doyle and I’s favorite. Last year, when we asked him what he wished for, he said “to be in a cartoon”.

Apparently, he has matured quite a bit since then because his answer now is…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The other day, DJ and I were working on a Valentine’s surprise for family members.

We started by peeling of crayons…

Then we mixed colors into a foil-lined muffin pan. DJ did a great job mixing coordinating colors together.

These were then placed in the oven to melt.

In the meantime, DJ made funny faces to pass time…

This is how the melted crayons looked

After they hardened a little, we formed them into a heart shape.

The finished crayon heart looked like this

So they didn’t turn out as pretty as we thought (but DJ was proud of it and that’s all that counts) and we didn’t have enough melted crayons to make more hearts. :(

Only daddy ended up with a crayon heart pendant for Valentine’s Day. Sorry everyone else! :) 

Here are the directions in case you want to try it with your little guys -http://wondertime.go.com/create-and-play/crafts/valentines-crayon-necklace.html.

Have a great Valentine’s Day!

Doyle, Michelle, DJ and Cody