Pacific Grove, Monterey County - January 2009

We decided to take a little trip without the trailer and indulge ourselves with a stay at a pet friendly inn.  We stayed in Pacific Grove at the Bide-A-Wee Inn and it was lovely! 

During our stay we also dined at the Passionfish Restaurant in Pacific Grove.  It is a favorite of Ali and Ross', so we gave it a try.  It was delicious!

Bud and Maggy preparing for a Happy Hour picnic.

The weather was unseasonably warm - almost 80 degrees - so this lovely gas fireplace was not needed.

Picnic area on the motel grounds.

I didn't take any pictures of the ocean this trip, but it was as beautiful as ever.  It was Monarch butterfly time however.  We visited the Monarch Grove Sanctuary and got some nice pictures.

We didn't know that they actually tag butterflies with stickers.  This guy graciously posed for a close-up.

Here is a huge cluster of Monarchs hanging on some Spanish moss.

The docent told us that the butterflies will open up and take off when the temperature reaches 55 degrees.  It was almost that warm, but our necks were tired from looking up so much so we opted to leave before they disbanded.  

Thanksgiving 2008

Bud and I headed to Bodega Bay with trailer on Monday of Thanksgiving week.  Ali, Ross and Ayla joined us on Wednesday through Saturday for a Thanksgiving celebration. 

Thanksgiving morning, we took off for a hike at Bodega Head.  The weather was clear and gorgeous and not windy like it can get at the coast.

Ayla is trying out her new backpack for its inaugural hike.

In the parking lot at Bodega Head.  Some of you will recognize this holiday card photo.

Another family pic - ready for the trail.

One very serious hiker....  

Ali, Ross, Ayla and Grandpa

Now for some play time while dinner is cooking.

The camping turkey feast featuring an herbed turkey roll, Stovetop stuffing, canned yams, instant mashed potatoes, Trader Joe's turkey gravy, canned cranberry sauce and homemade cranberry sauce and Ross' green bean casserole.

Ayla perusing the tasting notes.

Aren't they cute?

Bath time in the trailer.  We LOVE bath time.

The day after Thanksgiving we did another hike on the California Coastal Trail.

We picked up this part of the trail at the Shell Beach parking lot.

Getting ready to get on daddy's back.

Another beautiful day.

Soaking up the view.

The waves crashing onto the rocks was a spectacular sight.

Time to pose with Grammy and Grandpa.  

This was our 38th anniversary.  A great way to celebrate.