Days 7 and 8...

Day 7

We went to Pebble Beach and drove along 17 Mile Drive. We got out and took a picture right here. Hopefully one day Tony will be able to take another picture here while he is actually playing this really expensive course.

The famous "Lone Cyprus"

Spy Glass golf course is in the background. It was so beautiful.

We went back to fisherman's wharf and had lunch at Old Fisherman's Grotto. We ate probably the best clam chowder I've ever had...except for yours Annelee. We were stuffed.

That evening we went to make a bonfire on the beach but the tide came up so quickly we had to abort. We drove along the beach and watched the sun go down.

Almost every night we were there Brooke and Mike played games with us. I always thought Tony and I loved board games but these guys really love them. They own hundreds of games. It was so fun to finally get to play games with the real "gamers." They taught us a new game each night. My favorite was Agricola. It was really involved but really fun.

Day 8

Sadly, day 8 was our final day. We packed up early and headed for home. We were going to sleep in Reno again but we decided to just push through and we made it all the way home in one day. The girls did pretty well on the drive home.

So I wanted to say that Brooke is my eldest cousin. She is the oldest child of my mom's older sister Le Anne. Brooke and Mike got married when I was like 12 or 13 or something and Mike is in the Army so they have lived all over the U.S. and in Germany. We really didn't get to see them very often. In fact, in the 7 years we have been married Tony had only met Mike once. It was so much fun to spend time with them and get to them better. Tony and Mike really hit it off and I, of course, loved spending time with Brookie.

Brooke and Mike,

This trip was just what we needed. We seriously had so much fun. You live in one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Thank you for letting us stay with you so that we could witness it. We love you guys so much.

The End!

Day 6...

We spent the day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is the biggest Aquarium this side of the Mississippi. I just made that up, but I think it is pretty big. I know it is pretty incredible.

I love this picture of Edie peeking up.

The aquarium is located on Cannery Row which reminded us a lot of Main Street in Park City.

That evening my dear sweet cousin offered to watch our children so we could go on a date. She even made us a reservation at one of the most amazing Greek restaurants I have ever been to. If you ever find yourself in Carmel you must eat at Dametra Cafe. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. The owner was the nicest guy ever and even hugged me and Tony when we left.

Spanakopita, gyros, kebabs, souvlaki and baklava. A.maz.ing.

After dinner we went down to the beach to make out just like teenagers. Like we didn't have a care in the world. Just kidding. It was fun to spend some time with Tony sans kids. This was one of the most memorable nights of the trip so thank you Brookie for making it happen.

Only one vacation post left...

Day 5...

We went on a killer hike. Killer because not only was it beautiful but killer because I carried Eden on my back. 5 hours, 5 miles and up 2200 feet in elevation. My shoulders were screaming. It was definitely worth the view from the top.

Indie mid freak out.

Edie slept most of the time.

These trees were huge. It was amazing to hike through this forest.

Edward and Bella...ur, I mean, Mike and Brooke.

Luckily Tony is really strong and was able to move this tree so we could pass by.

I guess hiking it not really Indie's thing. I'm not sure if she was sick or if she had allergies or what, but she had a snotty nose and was really whiny the whole time. Poor little lamb.

To be continued...

Day 4...

We went to beautiful downtown Carmel and walked around the quant city. There are shops and art museums lining the streets. We grabbed some food and headed to the beach.

Cute little Soy Boy fell asleep on our way to the beach.

We had a picnic in the park.

We went to a shop that sells the most delicious cheeses ever. You can sample all kinds of different ones. We went with an amazing 7 Year Cheddar and a Cracked Pepper Gouda. We grabbed a couple baguettes and made it a picnic. It was incredible. Are there cheese shops like that in Utah?

I asked Tony the other day why the cheese doesn't go bad after 7 years. He said we would have to ask a cheese expert. So for any and all cheese connoisseurs that read this blog... how does it not go bad after 7 years?

Then it was time to hit the water.

Edie loved eating the sand.

Indie loved letting the sand sift through her fingers.

Tony took the plunge. I honestly don't know how he did it. I got in up to my knees and it gave me a brain freeze so I don't know how he got his whole body in.

He couldn't pass up a chance to swim in the ocean.

Indie accidentally fell into the water and soaked her clothes so she had to ride home in her diapie. I love this picture of her.

That evening we enjoyed a spaghetti dinner out on their patio.

Elly loves spaghetti.

Oh Sweet Sadie

After dinner we headed into town for a farmers market.

I love this picture of you Brookie!

The farmers market was closing down a little early so we just ended up walking around town and around fisherman's wharf. All the restaurants on the wharf offer samples of clam chowder. So we sampled them all and decided where we would go for lunch later in the week. We also tried some Buffalo Calamari. Umm yeah, it was amazing.

Then Brooke and Mike introduced us to Trader Joe's. I had heard of it but never been in one. I discovered one of the most delicious desserts and have been craving it ever since. It was like an oreo with mint ice cream in the center...heaven.

Stay tuned...

Day 3 in Carmel...

Brooke planned something fun for us to do and something beautiful for us to see every single day.

Day 3 was spent driving along the coast and seeing some of the most amazing views I have ever seen.

We walked a trail that ran right along the ocean.

This little cove was called China Beach.

Spelunking in the cave.

Brookie, Edie and me...

Bixby Bridge is in the background of this picture.

A cookie and a nappie.

We went to a cafe for lunch and sat outside while eating delicious bacon and blue cheese hamburgers. Then we headed to Lover's Point.

Yet another beautiful place. Can you imagine living in one of those houses?!? I could get used to waking up there everyday.

It was a windy day and wind=tongue out for Indie.

We drove along the coast to Asilomar. I honestly could have sat there all day watching the waves crash into the rocks. It was spectacular.

To be continued...