Down by the Sea...

So we were long overdue for a real "vacation", which made this a truly wonderful getaway! We hadn't been to Monterey since highschool and I really couldn't remember much about the place, but hey, it's the beach right? And it was beautiful. When Jus first told me we were going for a bike race (think the 'Superbowl' of mountain biking), let's just say I was less than thrilled. But I knew we would be in the company of good friends and he promised that the whole trip wouldn't revolve (completely) around bikes...he was good for his word. We spent most of the days with friends, one day at the race, and fit in some great family time through out as well. And when he did want to return to the race, the daddies took the big kids so moms could head to the mall...perfect. It was a fair compromise even if little miss grabby fingers didn't make for the most peaceful of excursions. She's still fun regardless...

We also took the kids on a great glass bottom boat trip around the marina...that was a blast. Not exactly a yacht but we loved seeing all of the sea life up close. The museum was awesome too... Gave me something to put in our lesson plans...always a plus! One thing I will never forget on the boat(and have the pics just in case!) was the mama sea otter carrying her cub on her belly as she swam on her back through the water...it was so adorable! Made me think of my months with Shelbi kangarooed to me in the Moby... no, no more babies...three is good...we are just getting to the fun parts...!! We all were very glad we had that adventure. And the boys loved having their bikes on the trip. Daddy decided it was time to get them "real" mountain bikes and surprised them right before we left...very thrilled. They treat those bikes like they're gold... runs in the blood...

Yep yep, very fun times. And other than my doggone back giving me trouble it was a great little trip. Oh, and the fact that our borrowed car didn't have any a/c when we were traveling home in 90+ degree weather...didn't see that one coming...thank the Lord for dvd players...all was great. I'll go back there in a heart beat. Actually, my guess would be that I'll be going back in exactly one year from now...just in time for the next race...