Monterey Bay Aquarium

April 20, 2008

We spent the latter part of today at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of these creatures looked like they were from another planet. We were able to lay on the floor of the outer bay of the aquarium which was the coolest thing ever. From the floor it seemed like you were inside the walls of this aquarium circling around with millions of sardines (or anchovies, I am not sure which). Mmmmmm Yummy. We saw jelly fish that had different color lights on them. How in the world? Think of the energy that these fish must produce..........

The sea otters are the cutest thing ever. Augi tracks sea otters for the aquarium as a volunteer and has done this for 7 years. She certainly loves her aquarium. She was able to be our tour guide for the day.

Todd was able to get some great pictures of the gigantic octopus that I couldn't get with my camera as it just isn't as robust as his Digital SLR. I will post those at a later date after he does what he needs to do with them. He says that they are in raw format and he must pull them into photoshop first.

A cuttle Fish. Pretty neat animal. These fish change colors with their environment and look a little bit like a squid.

A great day in Big Sur California

April 18, 2008

A great day at The River Inn at Pfeiffer Big Sur. We were able to sit in the river on these great wooden chairs and dabble our feet in the water. It was quite chilly and the sun was behind the clouds but we had a great time despite that. The picture includes (closest to farthest) Bonnie, Augi, and Todd, and Arianna in the carrier, with Todd's mom Deb taking the picture. This part of the country is so beautiful. The drive from Monterey through Carmel on Hwy 1 is amazing. You could simply drive off the cliff into the ocean because it is that close. Augi, Deb, and I all had drinks while sitting in the river and enjoying ourselves in the wonderful wilderness. It was nice for Augi to be able to have a drink finally. Arianna is almost 3 months old now and it was time for mom to enjoy her Crown and Coke again if only for one afternoon. She loves her Crown and Coke like you can't even imagine.

Deb treated us all to lunch at the Pheonix Restaurant in Big Sur overlooking the ocean. It was one of the nicest times I have had at lunch with such a beautiful view. Todd's mom is very sweet. A great future mother in law for Augi one day. The day was perfect with all of the great views and family conversation. A wonderful time with my best friend and her significant other and family.