To the beach...

From the snow covered mountains to the beach we went!

We drove to Monterey Saturday morning and Riley was ecstatic to see the beach and run after the waves! The weather was fantastic and we just fell in love with this place!

She could have played all day long!
After we checked out the beach we headed to Fisherman's Wharf to find some tasty food!

This is Riley's favorite way to ride...on her Daddy's shoulders!

Family pic in front of all the boats!

Our first stop on the pier was to get Riley's face painted...she had a hard time making a decision on what she wanted but ultimately she decided on flowers!

She even got some on her hands too!

Precious girl...

All flowered up and ready to run!

The birds...oh the birds...they had to fly fast to get away from Riley!

After tasting numerous clam chowders as each restaurant vied for our business we ultimately decided on Old Fisherman's Grotto and we weren't disappointed!

Riley had clam chowder and french fries...and her and her daddy had fun being silly!

After dinner we strolled around and Jason bought Riley all kinds of goodies...including this alligator that she so lovingly used to snap away at his face on the walk back to the car!

Check out this band we saw on our walk back!

After dinner we decided to do a little driving along the coast...my oh my how beautiful it was!

Apparently this is Riley's new smile on demand..the funniest face ever!

Jason and Riley fed the birds some Nutri Grain Bars!

At one point we were just watching the waves crash and one came up closer and faster than we anticipated and Riley got all wet with the super cold Pacific coast water...she loved every minute of it!

Pretty sunset!

The beach just did her in...what a sweetie!

Don't be fooled...she awoke promptly upon arriving at our hotel and since we planned on having her sleep with us that night she was wide eyed and bushy tailed until 11 that night...once she sacked out she was a great cuddle bug!

Sunday morning we sort of slept in, grabbed some yummy coffee, and headed out to take the 17 Mile drive around Pebble Beach!

The water was crystal blue...

The scenery was amazing...

I suppose I could live here!

After our drive we went to Carmel to check out a fabulous breakfast at Katy's Place...we had friends that recommended this place...famous for their variety of Eggs Benedict and it was delish!

We ordered Riley a cinnamon roll and it's safe to say it was the best thing I've ever put in my mouth!

After breakfast we headed to the Monterey Aquarium and had so much fun!

They have great exhibits and lots of fun activities for kiddos...here's a wave tunnel!

A trampoline of water...jumping and bouncing makes any 2 year old smile ear to ear!

Riding seahorses...

and of course talking to Mumble were among Riley's favorite things to do!

This girl loves penguins and we had to literally drag her away from them...she was in Happy Feet heaven!

She made some drawings as well!

One last listen to the crashing waves!

We had a great visit to Monterey and Carmel...we hope to get back their soon!