Monterey Bay Aquarium

 After returning from Michigan we had one day before the movers came. Having someone else pack up all your stuff is a little strange but also wonderful at the same time. One of us had to be there at all times 'overseeing' the activities so we took turns running errands. Moria kept us company for some of the time and we just hung out on the steps outside the apartment and watched. (You're not allowed to help for liability reasons). Once they finished early that evening we started the clean up of our apartment. We got most of the big stuff done that evening thanks to Moria's help and Kevin and I came back early the next morning to finish up before having the manager come over for the walk through. By lunch time we were done and out of the apartment! 

With just the weekend remaining there was one major thing we had left to do which was finally going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have been wanting to go here for years but since Kevin isn't a big fan of aquariums we had never made it. Both Brian and Moria had been once before but luckily they were willing to go again with us.

Finally at the Aquarium!

I could barely contain my excitement of making it at last! This aquarium is supposedly one of the best in the world and has even had Great White Sharks on occasion. The last one they had was released on Nov 1st so we didn't get to see it. Kevin and I read a  book a few years ago about Great Whites near the Farallon Island's  (11 miles west of San Francisco) called 'Devil's Teeth'. The book was fascinating and it would have been amazing to see one.

 The Jellyfish exhibit was particularly amazing. They use these special tanks that aid in the suspension of the jellyfish. The music they had playing along with the dimmed lights made for a beautiful exhibit. 

 After the Jellyfish we headed over to check out the Sea Horse exhibit. It too was incredible. I'd never seen one in real life before and it was really fun to watch them float through the water and hold themselves in place with their tails.

Here is another one of my favorite Sea Horses. 

Once we'd checked out the sea otters at the feeding presentation we were a little hungry ourselves. We walked a short distance to the Cannery Row Brewery Company and enjoyed sitting outside next to the fire pits. Being able to sit outside in December comfortably is something we will definitely miss!

Not to mention the ocean.

The last time Brian and Moria were at the aquarium the penguin exhibit was closed for remodeling so I think they were excited to get to see them this time. It was really fun to watch them waddling around and 'yelling' or whatever you call the noise that penguins make.

Penguin Love!

Our day at the aquarium was a wonderful way to spend our second to last day in California and Kevin even admitted that it was actually pretty cool.