So, after the AM shoot, the girls and I decided to be spontaneous! Rhy and Rob had found a flyer for Pier 39, saw the aquarium, and said “Come on, lets go!” I said what the hay, so we did! I entered the address into Miss Magellan (my mom’s GPS unit), and off we went! The girls were AMAZED at everything on the pier — the colors, the food, the music, the water and boats … the bridges — it was fantastical! Almost as good as Disney! lol They were ooohing and aaaahhhing at everything in sight! Robyn spotted the “Aquarium of the Bay” sign, and off we went to purchase our tickets: $28 for 1 adult and 2 kids. In we went, crowns were on, and the fish were talking!

The first sea creature we saw, was a starfish — which happen to be the kewlest ever!!! :) I had fun “shooting” them (camera, of course).

There were sooooo many sharks, and of course, we got there at the best time ever … FEEDING TIME! When the shark went to grab it’s lunch, Rhylie turned to me … “Woah mom, that shark just opened it’s mouth really big and yummm it ate the food!!” Of course, it sounded more like this … “Woah mom, a ar uh oen it mou and “chomping sound” it ood!” Here eyes were opened wide as could be … and the decibel at which she spoke, alerted everyone to the shark eating the fish. There was laughter and awe … no scowling, which made my day … because she was just so excited! I had no idea what would come next. Robyn’s excitement was just as theatrical … when a fish the size of her came swimming up next to us on the moving sidewalk. :) Gosh, I LOVE my girls!

Once we had moved through, we came across some really RAD jellyfish …

This was Robyn’s favorite: The Moon Jellyfish

This was Rhylie’s favorite: Brown Sea Nettles

After that, we headed down the pier … and came across … you guessed it, a Carousel! $8 for the 3 of us gals to ride, but it’s always worth it to see their eyes light up!

Not so much when the ride is through …

So, of course we rode again … but not until we took a walk along the pier … ran across “a parking lot for boats” … as Robyn put it:

We stood by and watched the sea lions out in the water …

… but they were too far even for my big lens to capture!

There were sailboats out and about as well, touring the area … beautiful sight to see in the early evening …

And then there was Alcatraz — they didn’t like that too much, but I thought it made a beautiful photograph … in color …

or black and white …

And then, there was the most adorable couple standing there … in front of the bridge, looking so in love. It was as no one else were there but them … and it made me smile. I couldn’t resist …

The girls were getting cold, so we huddled together for a bit, and when I stood back up to see if they were still there (I wanted to give them my card so they would have my info … and I could give them the photo), but they were gone. :( So, then the girls, with their teeth chattering, asked for some ice cream … I obliged.

And that, was one of the BEST days that I have ever spent with my monkey’s! We headed back to the hotel, and before we hit the highway, they were out like a light!

I’m off to a very important meet-up, so I will post the fam shoot I had that morning when I return!

Peace & Love,

Jaime Hough