Monterey Bay Aquarium

Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most fun I've ever had with the boys. That's a strong statement, but it's true. They were completely engaged by the experience and it was wonderful watching them enjoy it so thoroughly.

Buddies

We did not pick an ideal day to visit. The aquarium on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend most closely resembles Penn Station, New York at 5 PM on the Friday of a holiday weekend. Good grief. We didn't even see some of the more popular exhibits because it was so packed. The boys adapted quickly to this somewhat overwhelming situation. While I was having quiet anxiety attacks trying to keep track of little people in crowded, darkened exhibit halls, the boys were totally unfazed.  The most remarkable part was watching them transform from open mouthed staring and walking into walls/people etc to sophisticated little street urchins weaving between people to get close to the exhibits while keeping track of me all at the same time.

Even with the crowds, the Aquarium is an amazing place to visit. The boys' favorite exhibit had to be the simulated wave crash room. They watched that wave crash over and over and over from as many different angles as were available. They also enjoyed the jellyfish, seahorses, model whales, sharks and giant octopus. Basically, if it enormous, it was great.

 

Notice Owen's froggy back back.  It remained attached to him for the entire day. He was the self appointed snack bearer and did not relinquish the backpack even after we had eaten the snack.  This proved to be very helpful in a crowd as it is both visible and has a handle. He looks terribly grown up though!

The next morning, Owen announced he wanted to go back and see the sharks again.  I'd like that too. If it wasn't 2 hours away I'd be a member in a heartbeat. The Aquarium sponsors sleepovers where members can camp out overnight in their favorite exhibit. Genius. In any case, we will be back.

A celebratory treat at Pink Berry