So far, I've had endless opportunities to peep inside general stores, linger at Whole Foods and lurk by produce stands. It's been a food-focused trip. There has been zero antiquing for Charlie. Oh lordie...there's going to be a re-balance one of these days. We stopped at yet another food stand to pick up produce for our trip to Monterey.

Stopping at a farm stand near Monterey. These strawberries can't taste better than they smell?!

Monterey’s prime attraction 'The Monterey Bay Aquarium' delivered a morning of entertainment. The perfectly situated complex of tanks, exhibitions and ocean-side experience sparked all of our imaginations. It was also a prime space to lose distracted children. We held onto the curious kidlets and explored with vigour. The Aquarium was filled with elusive sea monsters, tentacles, jellies and fuzzies that had our eyes on stilts.

I was expecting it to look a lot like the Toronto Aquarium. Not at all.

Sophia has nailed the art of pulling us through exhibits with speed. It's highly annoying. Like a determined rudder, she knows what direction to drag us, and how fast. These ginormous waves captivated her long enough to cause squeals of delight. Poor Alfie was petrified.