Marshalls Abroad

Life Monterey

Cam’s First Father’s Day in Big Sur & Monterey

Hi from California! As soon as Cam picked us up from the airport we have been house hunting and exploring beautiful Monterey. The mountains and ocean are good for our souls, John Shea is getting stopped everywhere we go by people of all ages saying hi to him and Cam says my native Californian roots are coming out as I’m loving the farmer’s markets, bougainvillea, lemon trees and lavender all over, stopping by the beach multiple times during the day, Trader Joe’s and Spanish architecture and colors. We’re happy to finally be here together (though we’re not here for very long) and most especially, to be getting ready for Croatia! First we need to find a place to live, and then, intensive language classes to become fluent in Serbo-Croat (we hope!).

Sunday was a really good day celebrating our favorite guy’s first Father’s Day. We ate delicious crepes and lattes for a very early breakfast in downtown Monterey, walked the harbor, beach and rec trail, tried out a church, hiked at the top of Jack’s Peak, went to a farmer’s market, devoured some See’s (the best chocolate in all the land!), and spent the rest of the day on a hike in Big Sur, driving the 1, and eating at the cliffside restaurant, Nepenthe’s. Haha… can you tell I planned the day?

Dear Daddy,
Thank you for loving me unconditionally, even when I wake you up multiple times a night, pee all over your clothes and grab tufts of your chest hair,  for being silly, rough housing with me, making me laugh, changing my poopy diapers and making Mommy SO happy. You’re my best pal and my hero. Happy Father’s Day.
Love, John Shea


Comments

  1. Cara says

    I lived in Monterey for about 8 months. It was beautiful and peaceful. On the weekends it gets really crazy and during the week you can walk anywhere without hardly a soul in sight. Enjoy it! It is a great place to be!

  3. amber says

    I wish the Army had as many interesting options for duty stations as the Marines seem to! I suppose I'll just have to live vicariously through you – Ft Bragg is just sad compared to Monterey!!

    • Amanda Marshall says

      Hahaha – that is hysterical. Cam and I both just laughed outloud – the Army has the awesome duty stations!! Italy, Germany… Cam always apologizes to me that Marines don't go to Europe. Thankfully the Olmsted Foundation does 😉

  6. Emily Storey says

    Gorgeous photos!! Monterey looks amazing – and what a peaceful and beautiful way to spend Father's Day 🙂 What camera do you use?? Thank you for sharing! xx

  7. C-Cubed says

    I'm not even sure how I started following your blog (I think I saw it through a friend of a friend), but my husband finished studying Arabic at DLI about six months ago. We lived in Monterey (not too far from Pacific Grove and Cannery Row) for 18 months and absolutely loved and treasured our time there. Seeing your pictures and hearing about the farmer's markets, Spanish architecture, and ocean breeze sent me down memory lane. I know you'll discover your own favorite places there, but I wanted to mention three of our favorite little restaurants/coffee shops in Monterey– Parker-Lusseau Pastries (a little French bakery in Old Monterey), Il Vecchio (a rustic Italian restaurant near Cannery Row and the aquarium), and Happy Girl Kitchen (across the street from Il Vecchio). So glad you're enjoying your time there! And good luck with the language training!

  8. Michelle says

    I lived here during college and it was wonderful. Your pictures brought me right back! Hope you all enjoy your time there!

  10. Kate @ Daffodils says

    You are going to love Monterey- there is just so much to do! If you are ever free on Friday afternoon, the Trident room on NPS has free apps and drink deals and is super kid friendly. We used to call that 'dinner' on a weekly basis. Rocky Point Grille is just south of Monterey on the Coast (the only thing between Carmel and Big Sur) and while their food isn't stellar, their bloody marys and views are! My friend Jenny also just left there after 2 and a hlaf years and posted about all their adventures: http://www.creativelyblooming.com/2014/06/we-have-been-busy.html Enjoy every second- it goes by fast and is such a special place!

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