Monterey Bay Aquarium

I have been anxiously waiting to take Aaron to the Aquarium; he is a shark buff, and he loves everything to do with sea life and creatures. I had a feeling it would be like taking him to Disneyland, and the Aquarium did not disappoint! I also anticipated that Olivia would enjoy looking at all the creatures...I underestimated how much! She LOVED the fishes and had such a fun day. We were sad to find out that the outdoor tank was closed (where you walk through the tunnel surrounded by fish and sharks), but it will be opening July 1 following renovations, we plan to return for sure! There are quite a few photos...but I just couldn't downsize any more! We loved the day spent with family...thanks to Spring Break!

April 8, 2011 ~ Monterery Bay Aquarium

Entering the Aquarium...we had one happy Dad and one happy Livi!

Here's the family! I'm the lame photographer that thought I had Livi in the picture!

Mama and Baby! Olivia loved those things in the background.

We love our Baby Bjorn (thank you Katy and America) - Livi was quite taken with the birds!

Siblings! (Minus 1 in Florida)

Aaron was a little nervous about touching the Bat Ray - but this is one of my favorite parts of the Aquarium! He's a slimy little bugger!

Daddy and Uncle Jordan were LOVING the touch pools and critters, Livi decided it was high time for a nap!



 We loved pushing Livi around in her pink stroller...she was able to look out and see the world! Perhaps not the most comfy for naptime though! :)



The sea cucumber was the biggest surprise. Most of the critters had rough skin, like the starfishes. It was quite the shock to feel a soft squishy little guy in the water!

Olivia woke up one happy angel.

She loves her Auntie Chelle.

My sweet little family.

We thought the shocking cold water would be a deterrent - we couldn't be farther from the truth! Olivia was determined to touch EVERY creature in the pool! Her favorite was this starfish in a shell.

In this tunnel, a wave crashes overhead. Olivia didn't seem to love it as much as we did.

  

Taking a break out by the water! Other than the pesky flies, it was beautiful.

Gorgeous right?! Oh, and the water was nice too. :)

This pesky fly followed us inside and wouldn't leave Olivia alone!

Jordan killed it - it was quite the victory!

By far, my favorite exhibit is jellyfish. This was also Olivia's favorite...she takes after her mama!

These little jellyfish were darling.

Don't you just love Livi's pigtails silouetted against the jellyfish?

Olivia loves the view from Daddy's shoulders.

Another amazing exhibit was the seahorses. Did you know the dads carry the young?!

It's the tank full of the Finding Nemo fish! Olivia was mesmorized. We couldn't get her to look at the camera!

After a great day at the Aquarium, we had a super amazing dinner at Bubba Gumps. It was Aaron's first time! He and Mom shared a bucket FULL of shellfish! Aaron's dad, Mark would be so proud!

Olivia loved it at Bubba Gumps! I think it was all the attention she attracted!

Fish Tacos! Yes!

Me and my sister Michelle - I love this girl so much.

So, it was an increidble day ... and one we'll remember. Thanks to the Phelps for making it possible! :)