Monterey Bay Aquarium

When we visit California, going by the Monterey Bay Aquarium is always a must for the boys, especially Shawners. Once upon a time we took him scuba diving in the pretty little enclosed bay they have outside the aquarium. Next goal is to go on a private tour! This time came close as we were able to go into the basement of the aquarium, something nobody ever gets to do - not even boy scout troops. I'm always fascinated with the inner workings of places and attractions, so it was a blast for me to see. The kids were pretty fascinated, too.

The walls of the MBA are peppered with quotes about the sea. This one in particular resounds with me.

Ha! I totally put the wrong quote in there the first time. Yes, thank you, Anne Stevenson, maybe "the sea is as close as we come to another world" as the quote goes that I had mistakenly posted prior, but, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, your quote is actually the one that resounds with me, "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever." That quote leaves me breathless with the thought of how perfectly it captures the wondernment that the sea creatures below elicit.

And in accordance with that,

there's not many words to describe that thing we call the sea.

My thoughts and prayers go to all those experiencing Hurricane Irene right now

My oldest on the left, and my sister's oldest on the right in quiet fascination of the sea's many wonders. The boys are two and a half months apart.

Sea turtles - hands down my favorite wildlife of the sea.

Cousins - moments like these make me smile. Mine are second from the left and fourth from the left.

The sea turtles are where my quiet fascination comes in.

Southern Africa Penguins

 Our private basement tour

Leafy Sea Dragon

 In that rocky enclosed bay is where Shawners scuba dived in a dry suit last year

 Do you see the sea lion?

Just next door to the aquarium - a private little boardwalk area with the entry stuck in between two buildings.