8.26.2010

Mommy Took Us To The Aquarium And All We Got Was An Overpriced Apple Juice*

I took the kids to the Monterey Bay Aquarium today. For free. Yes... for FREE! Can I tell you how much I love free?

My dearest girlfriend and college roommate lent me four guest passes so the kids and I could enjoy the day in Monterey. And with almost 80 degree weather and no crowds, we sure did.

It's been at least a dozen years since I've been to the aquarium. In fact, if I remember correctly, the last time I was there was when Matt and I visited old family friends in Monterey way back in November, 1997. My how it's changed.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a virtual paradise for young kids. We spent four hours there, yet had we been able to watch any feedings or caught any shows, we could have easily stayed another few hours. We walked through all of the exhibits, touched everything we could have touched, and visited every bathroom on every level.

Photos taken today ... approx 150

Number of meltdowns ... less than a handful

Total money spent at the aquarium ... $2.40*

A great day was had by ... most all






L: The girls touching a bat ray
M - R: Touching the star fish




Sheridan wasn't tall enough to look through the telescopes the "right" way,
so she decided on her own way ... which as you can see, is backwards.




Grady enjoyed hanging in his seat ... and I enjoyed when he finally fell asleep




Some of my favorites







A fun attempt to take our own photos


26 comments:

Ramit Grover said...

The girls look so adorable and happy. Your hair looks great!

P.S. I was too chicken to touch anything, er, I mean any of the fish.

:D

Lisa said...

Very cool pictures Jill. And the price? Can't beat it!
PS - you do look like a hawt mama. Making Matt miss you from across the miles, eh?

Shannon said...

Fun! My girls have been asking to go to our aquarium here. It's been forever since we've been...

Bfiles said...

what beauty!
beautiful family, colors, day, animals....love this.

Sara said...

You and your kids look like you had a wonderful day. Love the shot of the jelly fish. The price makes it even better.

Christy said...

Those pictures are gorgeous Jill - you and the girls look so beautiful! And the animals are neat-o!

Anonymous said...

just happy, happy! love it!

Garima said...

Love the pics.. and the excitement..a nd the free fun :-)

Also... I have mailed you on "mjperlman@me.com" for a question. Is that email address valid. Was unsure!

Kristen said...

What great pics of you and your girls! I love the aquarium also and can't wait to take my 3 year old back there on our next trip to Santa Cruz!

Mommy, I'm Home said...

I have always wanted to go to that aquarium. The one time I was there, the line to get in was super loooooong and I missed it.

Heidi said...

Your aquarium totally surpasses ours! What sweet photos.

Connie said...

We went on a day that was incredibly crowded, but it is such a spectacular aquarium, well laid out, that it didn't matter. We were able to see and do everything that we wanted. It looks like you and your girls had a wonderful trip! And your self-portraits are beautiful! :)

Connie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michelle said...

We went last year on vacation and it was incredible (and REALLY expensive), you're lucky with the free passes. Looks like a great day.

Sunny said...

Love the Monterey Aquarium! I haven't been there in FOREVER but when I went it was awesome. THe pics look pretty good. Did you take those with your iphone or with a camera

PS the Brazilian Blowout is still looking good. I am impressed.

Deb Brau said...

Glad to be part of the covert ops to get you in the door!

mosey (kim) said...

What a fun day. And you had much better weather than when we went a month ago.

Plus, you (and your kids) are GORGEOUS. So loved meeting you last night....

Robin said...

How fun!! I'm jealous, I LOVE aquariums - my family needs to pull me out by my hair at the end of the day LOL.

So glad you guys are enjoying the best of what Cali has to offer. Have you moved into the house yet?

Minnesota Mamaleh said...

FUN! i have amazing memories at this aquarium! the picture of all arms reaching in touch some slimy, scaly fascinating thing is a classic! we took our girls a few years ago and it's *magical* with your own little ones, right?

just happened upon your blog today and am so very glad that i did! :)

Anonymous said...

I love that you hit bathrooms on every floor...sounds like my life! And there is nothing better than free. :)

You are gorgeous and your kids are adorable!

Anonymous said...

I love that you hit bathrooms on every floor...sounds like my life! And there is nothing better than free. :)

You are gorgeous and your kids are adorable!

Sara said...

yay for frugal fun times! What a good mommy you are!!

Kat said...

How FUN!!!! And for $2.40??? You can't beat that! Yay for free passes!!!
I wish we had an aquarium like that around here.

Twenty Four At Heart said...

So glad you had fun. I love that aquarium!

Momo Fali said...

It looks like a great place, and you can't beat free! (Or $2.40...same difference!)

Emily said...

You are stunning! Your girls are just adorable.
I think you it is wonderful that you were able to have such a fabulous time for such a great deal.
What a charmed life.
Right? Right? Is this thing on? Hello?
At least there are moments that shine.

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