So the first of our summer travels started with a road trip from Phoenix to San Francisco and then back to Newport Beach, California then home. Keith was photographing a family in the San Francisco area. Our goal was to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium the first day and the second day we were to visit with our friends that moved back to the Bay Area after Keith’s portrait session.
The kids were so excited to get to the Aquarium. Last year, on the same road trip, we did the trip in reverse and ended up arriving in Monterey too late in the day so we had to skip the visit to the Aquarium. The kids really wanted to visit, so we made it a point to get there this year. The first 1/2 hour was great, the kids were so impressed by the gorgeous displays. Then out of the blue, Gabby seemed to get really tired. Then she rebounded. She ate. She looked around a bit more. She was tired again, just about sleeping on Keith’s shoulder. That just did not seem right. Anyone who knows Miss Gabs has a real appreciation for how much she LOVES animals of all shapes and sizes. She goes at full speed at the zoo, or the aquarium or anywhere else she can view her prized animals. So it was definitely out of character. As the day went on, she started to feel warm. We decided to go back to the room, grab the thermometer and monitor her. She dozed off in the car. We took the temp, it was 101.
Isabella wanted to go to the beach. While Gabs slept, Isabella and I walked down to the beach and Keith stayed in the car with Gabby while she slept. Then he called out to us that the temp went up to 103ish. We tried to find an urgent care, it was 5:59 and of course the only one in Monterey closed at 6pm. So off we go to the ER. I think I forgot to mention that the week before, Keith had strep. So we pretty much knew that was what she had. But anyone who knows me, knows I can’t handle a fever. I want to pass out if either of the kids have a fever over 102. So needless to say, I wanted to get to the ER and get her meds as fast as possible! The doctor took one look at her throat and told us she had strep. Not shocked.
She was in such good spirits through it all! The bad news was that she could not be around other kids for 24 hours and we were expected to be at our friend’s house the next day. Gabby and I would be hotel bound while Keith and Isabella visited with our friends and their 2 kids. All I could think of was how long till Isabella was sick. Luckily, she never was! I ended up in urgent care on Friday.
We made our way from the Bay area to Newport Beach. We really enjoyed ourselves. We met up with Keith’s mom and stepdad, a friend and her son and my friend from college. The kids really enjoyed the beach, the waves, digging, looking for shells – they loved every minute of being on the beach. The weather was perfect and so was the company! I can’t wait to return next year!
on the deck at the aquarium
Isabella on the beach while Gabby took her nap
Gabby in the ER waiting for the doctor. Her mood was outstanding!
Pier 39, San Francisco. The kids really wanted to see the sea lions! Alcatraz off in the distance.
Looks like Bella is about to toss Gabby into the water! A few minutes later, Gabby did it to her self. She ran into the water, the tide caught her and she was soaked. And in a really bad mood once she was wet and sandy!! Shocking, I know. Her moods are so tempered usually. Can you detect my sarcasm?
Daddy on the ride home! Apparently the vacation was just too much. He had to snuggle with Gabby’s Sharky on the drive back from California!
Tags: california, monterey, travel with kids
I have missed the “Mommy Grind”. Good one!