Weekends=Family Fun Time!

Soaking up some family fun time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

We're loving our time here in Pacific Grove.  We picked this location because we had enjoyed it so much on previous visits.  We also picked Pacific Grove so we could spend time with Sarah, Joey, James and Emma on the weekends.  Memorial Day weekend they came to us in Pacific Grove.  This past weekend we went to their place, which is just a short drive north of San Francisco and about two and a half hours from here.

Memorial Day weekend family fun kicked off a little early.  James was out of school Friday and Sarah and Joey were able to arrange their schedules so they could arrive Thursday afternoon.  We started the festivities by meeting them at Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey.  The kids had slept most of the drive down so after a few hugs and kisses they were off and running, burning off some energy and working up an appetite in the huge kid's park.  We enjoyed a picnic, and more playtime after eating before calling it a day, just as the sun was setting.

Emma enjoying the big slide at the Dennis the Menace Park

In addition to the Dennis the Menace Park, there is a small park near our house.  James enjoyed swinging, while Emma enjoyed hovering over the woodchips.

 

Dennis the Menace Park 

We spent a good part of Friday enjoying the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  James and Emma loved spotting different fish, marine mammals, birds and other animals that call the aquarium home.  Emma was a little intimidated when the big fish would swim directly toward her.  That afternoon Beth and I enjoyed keeping the kids.  This gave Sarah and Joey time for a "date" to celebrate Joey's recent graduation from the Master's program at Gateway Seminary.  Joey worked hard, balancing being a student, father and husband with full time employment.  Well done Joey, we're so proud of you!

Daddy & Daughter time at the Kelp Forest Tank.

Sarah and James looking for sharks!

James had a whale of a good time at Monterey Bay Park.

James and Emma enjoyed the Sea Lions at the Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Treat time!

Maybe we should have gone with the Kiddie Cone?  What she didn't end up wearing, she enjoyed eating and she cleaned up nicely afterwards!

Joey had to head back home after their date for a Saturday morning project with his youth group.  We enjoyed park and beach time with Sarah and the kids on Saturday and Sunday morning.  On Sunday afternoon we met Joey in San Jose, said our goodbyes and headed back southward while they returned back to their house.  Beth and I were in 100% agreement that it was a fantastic time and we were already looking forward to seeing them again in a few days.

Sarah and James reaching new heights at Lover's Point Park.

Emma and I taking in the scenery from a lower level.

On Memorial Day we attended the Monterey County Pops concert in downtown Monterey.  In addition to the Pops Symphony, there was a Barbershop Quartet and College Choir.  The music was filled with patriotic songs honoring those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  I've attached a link below to a blog I wrote a few years ago about my two uncles.  They were both killed in action during World War II.

There was a nice crowd on a beautiful, sunny Memorial Day afternoon.

Honor, Sacrifice and Keeping Their Spirits Alive

The week passed quickly and our second family fun weekend was at Sarah, Joey, James and Emma's house.  We drove up Saturday, arriving early afternoon.  Joey, was excited to show off his new Blackstone Outdoor Griddle and we were excited to taste his version of Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches and grilled sausages.  As usual, the food was amazing!

James just finished his second year of T-Ball.

After church Beth and Emma were playing beauty parlor.  What started with one bow ended up with all the bows in her hair.  Every time Beth put one in Emma would smile and say "more Mimi, more"!

Sunday morning we felt fortunate that we were able to listen to Joey preach at his church (there's a link to his message below).  Shortly after lunch we said our goodbye's for the week and headed back towards Pacific Grove.  We'll get together again this upcoming weekend.  We're already looking forward to it!

Hillside Church of Marin      

On our way back to Pacific Grove we stopped by Santa Cruz and Capitola.  This is the Santa Cruz Boardwalk (taken from the Santa Cruz wharf). 

The boardwalk was busy on a Sunday afternoon with folks enjoying the rides, games and eating all sorts of fried foods.

Beyond the beach volleyball courts is the Santa Cruz Wharf.  It's over a half a mile long, making it the longest open ocean wharf in North America.

An adult sea lion and a bunch of pups under the Santa Cruz Wharf.

The surf was up at Capitola Beach!

It was late in the day when we got to Capitola Village.  In addition to the colorful houses, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.  We may make a return visit later this week.