The kiddos are back to school today and the house is alarmingly quiet. In an effort to hang on to every last minute of our holiday break, we decided at the very last minute to hop in the car and head up north to Monterey, CA to visit dear friends over the weekend. Having been friends since junior high, we have a rich history and it was time for a visit to let our children play together and spend quality time as families. Monterey is a beautiful part of the state and it had been a while since we had been up there so the road trip was a welcome change of scenery. My two little ones are always up for a traveling adventure so we tossed some things in the car and we were off. Here are a few moments we caught with our camera phones. 
Our friends have a beautiful home that overlooks Monterey with sweeping views. It was fun for the kids to search for deer on the property. It was also nice to enjoy the cold, crisp air. 
The Monterey aquarium is probably our most favorite aquarium. There are so many hands on activities for the children and the gorgeous underwater animals are just awe inspiring. 
My friend’s darling children are younger so it was so much fun for my daughter to act a little bit like, “mommy” for the weekend. We miss them already. 
We all couldn’t take our eyes off of the jellies and my son was especially enamored. Beautiful. 
And if you have young ones and ever visit this area, The Dennis the Menace park is FANTASTIC! So much for the children to do and talk about running off some energy! We also were treated to a wonderful dinner at Casanova in Carmel. Delicious food and fantastic service if you are ever looking for a spot when you are there. It’s now back to reality, but I am actually feeling ready to jump back into our routine. I hope you all had a great weekend. I will be sharing some ways in which I am getting organized for the new year. Stay tuned for that. ………….. And . . . how could I let the day go by without saying, “Go Irish!” And to all my Lyons girls, cheers to our Irish team! Be thinking of you as we gather with fellow ND fans tonight!
Your weekend sounds wonderful! I love your daughter's outfit. So cute!
Anna
i love impromptu road trips! sounds so much fun!
The jellyfish exhibit at the Monterey Bay aquarium is my favorite. I could sit and look and them forever. I love the Monterey/Carmel area. Sounds like you had a great trip!
Beautiful pictures. And, what a fun last minute getaway. Put the baby on a plane back to the university this morning:( It is really quiet here!!
Awww! Looks like SO much fun! Love that area and agree that the aquarium is the best!! Glad you had a fun little getaway! xo
That looks like a great weekend trip! And yes, Go Irish! I'm a Farley girl. 🙂
Oh my gosh, the last time I was there was with my girl when she was just a tiny toddler. How fun, love road trips! Janell
Go Irish!!
Impromptu trips are fun! Looks like a wonderful family weekend spent with good friends. We love the Monterey Aquarium. Monterey/Carmel is one of our favorite little getaways. A great way to kick off your new year Courtney! XO
What a fun weekend! I love an quick last minute trip! Beautiful photos too!
What a beautiful view in the first pic! Love last minute getaways!
What a fun weekend! I love spontaneous trips!
I love Monterey Bay! We lived there as newlyweds when my husband was at the Presidio. What a magical time.
Oh girl, that family photo turned out so good! Glad you got to have such a good time- little getaways are the best. Your little mama would love my little guy!!
Looks like so much fun! What a great shot of your son looking at the jellyfish! We went to Monterey and Carmel when I was growing up, and I still remember how beautiful they were.
Beautiful Pictures from a BEAUTIFUL family!
I've always wanted to visit this place! Glad that you had fun!
Sounds like a dreamy trip! How fun to see your daughter being the "older" one. I know you were proud. Love the family shot of all of you!
Love love love seeing your cute family!!! You guys are seriously so stylish! /and love your gold dots..Im playing with a lot of gold paint today…you clever cookie!! ox
ROLL TIDE!! 🙂
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