We did three day trips last week, since Monday was set aside for getting errands done, and Enz had work on Friday. We were pretty much on the go from Tuesday to Thursday, taking the kids to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Gilroy Gardens, and finally the Roaring Camp Railroad. The first daily adventure started off well with both kids being overly excited about seeing fish. Once we got to the aquarium, the kids were into it for about a minute, before transforming into "bebe kids!" UGH! It was as if we didn't even know our own children!! I think it may have been too much for them, too soon. Sure they love fishies, and they can sit through a good chunk of Finding Nemo, but for some reason, the aquarium just didn't do it for them. They both wanted to roam freely on their own, which normally wouldn't have been a problem. But factor in the sheer volume of people in that place, coupled with the darkness, and we could have definitely lost one of the kids! After "dragging" the kids through the aquarium, we ended it with a late lunch at Bubba Gump's, and even that was a bit taxing since the kids were just not having it!
Makenna showing some interest in fish
On Day 2 of the Camero Outings, we were fairly optimistic on how the day would pan out, hoping that it wouldn't be a repeat of the previous day. Once we got to the Gilroy Gardens, both kids were ready to tear it up! We left their stroller at home and opted to rent one of the ones from the park. Neither one of them wanted to be in it at first, and they both were a bit on the whiny side. We thought "here we go again," but stayed positive. Once we got moving though, the kids enjoyed the stroller and were anxious to get out on their own. After their first ride, we let them run around freely, mainly because the park was a lot more open than the aquarium, plus it was pretty empty that day, so it made us feel a lot safer. The kids looked to be having a ball, and would occasionally come and sit in the stroller when they needed a break. Each and every ride was fun for them, but nothing came close to the water park! We kept that until the end, which worked out for the best, because after using up the remainder of their energy playing in the water, they were both EXHAUSTED! It made for a quiet drive home!
Happily holding hands as they enter Gilroy Gardens
Isaiah pimpin' his fast ride!
Makenna and Mommy in the Strawberry Ride
The fam enjoying a train ride around the Gardens
On day 3, we visited the Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton. Isaiah is big on cars and trains, so this one was geared more toward him. We were hoping for the best on our final outing, praying that the excitement from the Gilroy Gardens would kind of run off into this day. Surprisingly, the kids loved the train ride, and loved being outdoors in the woods! Makenna especially liked being out by the "big trees" and was in awe of their size. After the hour-long train ride, we hung around and had lunch in the park, letting the kids blow off some steam before the ride home.
All in all, we had a terrific time being out away from home with the kids. We will definitely visit all three places again, though we'll hold off on the aquarium until the kids are a little older! Seeing the kids and their care-free spirits at the Gilroy Gardens was sort of a preparation for our future vacation to Disneyland! I'm sure the kids will be beside themselves once we take them there! For now, they can enjoy the memories of our first "mini-vacation!"
Isaiah and Mommy enjoying the scenery at Roaring Camp Railroad
Mommy and the kids pose with one of the "big trees"
Daddy posing with the kids
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