Aquarium Adventures

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has select days throughout the year where homeschool families get in for free. We were fortunate to be able to take advantage of this offer with some friends of ours. Justin is good friends with their daughter, who also goes to Justin's school, and her little brother.

Justin and Dave watching the fish in the kelp forest

Justin, Codie, and Henry

Codie and Justin posing in the seashell

Justin and Codie watching for whales (didn't see any)

Justin in awe of some jellyfish

After the aquarium, we headed to a beach in the "wild." I think they saw and learned just as much out here as they did in the actual aquarium!

Exploring tide pools

Justin proudly displaying a tiny, spindly starfish

If you look closely, you can see the sea lion giving us a wave from his perch on the rocks.

Endless fascination

Justin, Codie, and Henry

Enjoying the ocean with all their senses

Running from the waves never gets old

After the beach, we headed up the coast a bit to stay overnight at a Covenant camp. We are there several times a year, but this was the first time our friends had been there. It was fun introducing them to the beauty and specialness of Mission Springs.

Banana slugs were the main attraction for the kids.

Justin, Henry, and Codie with their banana slug in the spotlight

Henry, keeping a close eye on the slug, for which they created a sun shade

Koty got to meet a pig

Codie and Justin showing off and saying good-bye to their banana slugs.