Carmel

 Brian had to go to California for work so we figured out a way to take a long weekend together before his conference started. Mom watched the kids for us and friends helped a ton with transportation. Mom was AWESOME to come because it meant doctor appointments at Duke, school, and four children (she had two for a reason:).

We had such a GREAT time away together and it really was like a second honeymoon. I remember mom going to Carmel and Monterrey when I was a kid and she said it was the most beautiful place in the world. She's been to Hawaii and all over Europe so I had always hoped I could go. We don't travel a ton because of funds and childcare but it was amazing. Mom was right!

Carmel reminded me of Rockport, MA except with a TON of colorful flowers everywhere. Monterey reminded me of Gloucester (only more schopping)...a fishing town. We went to Sausalito one day and that brought back memories of Newbury Port. What a blessing it was for us to live in MA and boy we loved it!

We stayed in Carmel the first two nights and spent the first day exploring the beach, shopping in the cutest stores, sightseeing, and eating out in the sunshine.

 

We saw tons of sea life right in front of us..fish, sealions, kelp, and diving birds. We also saw this

sad puppy who couldn't use it's back legs and had to drag them behind this 'wheelchair'.

 

eating outside in the sunshine surrounded by gorgeous building and spectacular flowers

 

shopping

 

there was a huge flower garden with store surrounding it...pretty amazing!

 We did the 17 mile drive and stopped at all the photo ops. This tree is 'special' because it's used in all the Pebble Beach Golf shows.
 

I LOVED the sea lions on the island behind us.

 We saw gorgeous sunset in Carmel the first night during dinner at a pub. I only wish we had been down on the beach for a better look!

SUCH a blessing we were able to go on this amazing trip together!