caLiLfornia, continued...

It is so easy to get distracted at this time of year. Lil has reached the point where she is ready for her own room, and there's holiday preparations, a birthday party to plan, and the everyday happenings like work, outings, errands, etc. And this little blog. I hate neglecting it. This will serve as Lil's baby book, and I plan on having it printed out for her first birthday. It doesn't seem right that I gleaned over her first big trip, and an exciting visit to the coolest place ever, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Lil's not going to remember any of it, so this blog will have to serve as her reminder.

tulle trim bow dress from babygap, perfect seaside attire.

Lil didn't experience things the same way older children did, but she was still fascinated, and pointed at lots of things and even called the sea turtle "kitteh." She wanted to touch the urchins and anemones, tried scratching at the little camouflaged flounders and gobies, and was mesmerized by the Jelly exhibit. Actually, everyone was mesmerized by the Jelly exhibit.

earth alien

But the best part for Lil was the gigantic 90-foot Open Ocean tank. It had stadium seating, so we headed to the upper deck and waited in vain for the big mean sunfish to make an appearance. No sunfish, but Lil was lulled to sleep by the Green Sea turtle doing laps along the top. Right before we left, a couple Yellow Fin tuna started racing around the place. Crazy that those things only cost, what, seventy-nine cents a can? Seems like it should be an impossible catch...

On the way home, Papa and I discussed when Lil might be ready to don some snorkel gear and hop a plane to Hawaii (not in that order).  Before I let Lil near the real deal, I think she's got to be able to swim first. Yeah, at least.

Lil, this is as close as you're gonna get to the fishies for quite a while.