I'll be blogging for the next few days about all of our favorite adventures! I only blog about places I love so I can't wait to see what happens in the next few days!
Amtrak at the Colfax station:
Monday, March 31, 2014
Amtrak goes to Truckee, CA from San Francisco Bay Area, California or from Sacramento, Auburn...
My son and I are taking the Amtrak train today from the Bay Area to Truckee, CA. The snow is amazing and we want to seize the moment and enjoy some snowy fun!
I'll be blogging for the next few days about all of our favorite adventures! I only blog about places I love so I can't wait to see what happens in the next few days!
Amtrak at the Colfax station:
I'll be blogging for the next few days about all of our favorite adventures! I only blog about places I love so I can't wait to see what happens in the next few days!
Amtrak at the Colfax station:
Where to stay for a discount in Auburn, CA - great place to stay on way to Truckee and Lake Tahoe!
We stayed a few nights at the Comfort Inn in Auburn, CA. This place is dog friendly, has a free breakfast, and costs under $100.00.
On Saturday night, on the way to Truckee, highway 80 closed when a Caltrans truck blocked the road. Everyone had to go back. The Comfort Inn was an Oasis for us to stay at! Our prayers were answered when we got a place to stay under $100.00, a free hot breakfast, and a dog friendly place to stay. The next day we weren't brave enough to head out to Truckee again, but took the short drive to Emigrant Gap.
Resources:
Comfort Inn
comfortinn.com/hotel/ca587
1875 Auburn Ravine Road
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 885-1800
Reservations:
(800) 272-1444
(800) 4-CHOICE
On Saturday night, on the way to Truckee, highway 80 closed when a Caltrans truck blocked the road. Everyone had to go back. The Comfort Inn was an Oasis for us to stay at! Our prayers were answered when we got a place to stay under $100.00, a free hot breakfast, and a dog friendly place to stay. The next day we weren't brave enough to head out to Truckee again, but took the short drive to Emigrant Gap.
Resources:
Comfort Inn
comfortinn.com/hotel/ca587
1875 Auburn Ravine Road
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 885-1800
Reservations:
(800) 272-1444
(800) 4-CHOICE
Where to go for spring snow near the East Bay, California - Emigrant Gap
We went to see the snow a few days ago and made it to Emigrant Gap. We got a sled at the gas station at the Nyack exit, plus some treats! This was an easy place to play in the snow, we sledded and made a snowman with some other families. It was a blast! It reminded me of the easy snow fun growing up in Michigan, and it was free.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Montessori lesson plan for sand paper letters
When looking for sand paper letters, make sure you get ones where the consonants are red and the vowels are blue, so that if your child ends up going to a Montessori school they won't get confused.
I found a lesson plan for teaching letters in the Montessori format with sand paper letters.
Resources:
Montessori letters with sand paper cards:
http://www.montessoritraining.net/preschool-kindergarten/courses/language_arts/sample-lesson.pdf
I found a lesson plan for teaching letters in the Montessori format with sand paper letters.
Resources:
Montessori letters with sand paper cards:
http://www.montessoritraining.net/preschool-kindergarten/courses/language_arts/sample-lesson.pdf
Abacus from Melissa and Doug is great for teaching math! Colorful, all wood, and easy to use!
When I was in elementary school, we used the abacus to learn counting, I remember moving the beads! My son and I are now using this same instrument to learn counting and addition!
We have the Melissa and Doug abacus, it is really well made and sturdy!
Billy says, "It helps me count!"
Resources:
Abacus #493
Melissa & Doug, Inc.
Westport, CT 06881
Phone: 1-800-284-3948
We have the Melissa and Doug abacus, it is really well made and sturdy!
Billy says, "It helps me count!"
Resources:
Abacus #493
Melissa & Doug, Inc.
Westport, CT 06881
Phone: 1-800-284-3948
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
National Geographic's "Anteater Bug Vac" for collecting bugs, such as ants.
My son got the National Geographic Anteater Bug Vac last spring when he turned 5.
The box says, "This anteater has an appetite for collecting all kinds of bugs, but it needs your help to find them! After collecting the bugs, watch them in the anteater's detachable-belly observation chamber! When you're done, safely release the bugs back into nature, right where you and your anteater found them! Then, watch real anteaters on Nat Geo Wild, the TV network that gets you closer than ever to wild animals.
Pros of this toy:
1. Child can collect and observe real bugs, the bug van looks like an anteater.
2. There is a motorized vacuum suction that the box says is safe for bugs! The belly of the anteater is removable for close-up observation!
3. There are facts about the anteater on the box, such as,
"The tongue of the anteater can grow to 2 feet long! It is coated with a thick, sticky layer of saliva,
which helps them capture ants and termites. Yum!"
4. National Geographic's net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research, and education programs.
5. Billy likes the pictures and captions on the box. Based on the picture, he said, "Oh, it can suck up snakes! He was talking about the bottom of the box, where it had a picture of another Nat Geo toy, the Curl and Coil Snake Light.
Cons of this toy:
1. Needs 4 AA batteries
2. This toy is made of plastic, I prefer toys made of wood or other environmentally friendly materials.
3. Younger children need to be encouraged to remove the bugs back to their home before they are done for the day, otherwise the bugs will die.
4. My son said, "This toy doesn't have a huge amount of suction!"
5. Papa said, "It is hard to examine the bug after you suck it up."
Resources:
Anteater Bug Vac
National Geographic
Manufactured by Uncle Milton Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 6281
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359
Made in China
3.
The box says, "This anteater has an appetite for collecting all kinds of bugs, but it needs your help to find them! After collecting the bugs, watch them in the anteater's detachable-belly observation chamber! When you're done, safely release the bugs back into nature, right where you and your anteater found them! Then, watch real anteaters on Nat Geo Wild, the TV network that gets you closer than ever to wild animals.
Pros of this toy:
1. Child can collect and observe real bugs, the bug van looks like an anteater.
2. There is a motorized vacuum suction that the box says is safe for bugs! The belly of the anteater is removable for close-up observation!
3. There are facts about the anteater on the box, such as,
"The tongue of the anteater can grow to 2 feet long! It is coated with a thick, sticky layer of saliva,
which helps them capture ants and termites. Yum!"
4. National Geographic's net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research, and education programs.
5. Billy likes the pictures and captions on the box. Based on the picture, he said, "Oh, it can suck up snakes! He was talking about the bottom of the box, where it had a picture of another Nat Geo toy, the Curl and Coil Snake Light.
Cons of this toy:
1. Needs 4 AA batteries
2. This toy is made of plastic, I prefer toys made of wood or other environmentally friendly materials.
3. Younger children need to be encouraged to remove the bugs back to their home before they are done for the day, otherwise the bugs will die.
4. My son said, "This toy doesn't have a huge amount of suction!"
5. Papa said, "It is hard to examine the bug after you suck it up."
Resources:
Anteater Bug Vac
National Geographic
Manufactured by Uncle Milton Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 6281
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359
Made in China
3.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Mandarin immersion private school in San Fancisco- Presidio Knolls School
I was looking at Mandarin classes for my son when I discovered the Presidio Knolls School in San Francisco, CA. I saw the website and it looks like a beautiful school, I am going to call this morning and visit so I can write more about it!
Resources:
Presidio Knolls School
250 10th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 202-0770
http://www.presidioknolls.org
Resources:
Presidio Knolls School
250 10th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 202-0770
http://www.presidioknolls.org
Foodie alphabet - P is for pizza, pancakes, and popcorn
Yesterday we reviewed the letter "P" and the sound it makes. In montessori, they focus on the sound the letter makes. We talked about words that start with "P." We made chocolate chip pancakes in the morning, went to the park, and made pizza for dinner. It is astounding how many children are tactile defensive, meaning they are super sensitive to touch. Making pizza is a great way to have children work with their hands and get comfortable with touch, plus it is strengthening! My son loves it, he says that next time he wants another little pizza for himself.
We sometimes shred mozzarella cheese on our own, or I buy the "pizza blend" already shredded Wisconsin cow mozzarella and provolone cheese at market hall. They also sell prepared pizza dough and sauce. My son loves the taste of the Fra Mani Sopressata at market hall, and they do not add nitrates. I asked specifically for ones that are nitrate free, though I was told there are some naturally occurring nitrates anyway.
I got a book a few years ago that has some wonderful recipes for children. The focus is on ingredients you can get at the farmer's market and then come home and make delicious slow food! I love the pizza recipe and have used it several times.
I use gluten free dough, since I am gluten free. I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust, and a pizza stone to make the pizza crispy like a pizza parlor. I have gone through a few stones in my cooking pizza time since they break pretty easily. I worked at Shakey's pizza years ago, so making pizza brings me great joy! There is something about having my son and I's hands in the dough laughing that makes the world feel perfect for that moment.
When I was growing up, on the weekends we used to go to my aunt and uncle's house and while the parents were hanging out, the kids would make Appian Way Pizza. With that mix, everything is in the box for you, except the cheese. It may be fun to pick up a box now to see what it tastes like. I remember how much fun that tradition was, of making pizza together.
Resources:
Recipe book for children:
At The Farmer's Market With Kids
By Leslie Jonath and Ethel Brennan
Recipes and Projects for Little Hands
Chronicle Books, LLC
680 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.chroniclebooks.com
(This book has a recipe for tomato and mozzarella pizza, including dough and tomato sauce from scratch.)
Bob's Red Mill
Wheat Free, Gluten Free
Pizza Crust, whole grain mix
(This pizza mix even includes the yeast, which some mixes don't, so keep some on hand!)
13521 SE Pheasant Court
Milwaukie, Oregon 97222
(This package also has a recipe for gluten free cinnamon rolls that look really yummy!)
Fra Mani Sopressata
( nitrate free, similar to pepperoni or salami)
Rockridge Market Hall
Oakland, CA
(510) 250-6005
Bialetti
Pizza Baking Set
(Set includes 14 3/4 Pizza Stone, serving rack, pizza cutter, recipe booklet, and wooden pizza peel)
Bradshaw International, Inc.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(The pizza stone is also great for baking fresh or frozen breads, rolls, or biscuits.)
Best Pancakes in the Bay Area:
Log Cabin Restaurant
San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA
Books about pancakes for children:
Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie de Paola
We sometimes shred mozzarella cheese on our own, or I buy the "pizza blend" already shredded Wisconsin cow mozzarella and provolone cheese at market hall. They also sell prepared pizza dough and sauce. My son loves the taste of the Fra Mani Sopressata at market hall, and they do not add nitrates. I asked specifically for ones that are nitrate free, though I was told there are some naturally occurring nitrates anyway.
I got a book a few years ago that has some wonderful recipes for children. The focus is on ingredients you can get at the farmer's market and then come home and make delicious slow food! I love the pizza recipe and have used it several times.
I use gluten free dough, since I am gluten free. I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust, and a pizza stone to make the pizza crispy like a pizza parlor. I have gone through a few stones in my cooking pizza time since they break pretty easily. I worked at Shakey's pizza years ago, so making pizza brings me great joy! There is something about having my son and I's hands in the dough laughing that makes the world feel perfect for that moment.
When I was growing up, on the weekends we used to go to my aunt and uncle's house and while the parents were hanging out, the kids would make Appian Way Pizza. With that mix, everything is in the box for you, except the cheese. It may be fun to pick up a box now to see what it tastes like. I remember how much fun that tradition was, of making pizza together.
Resources:
Recipe book for children:
At The Farmer's Market With Kids
By Leslie Jonath and Ethel Brennan
Recipes and Projects for Little Hands
Chronicle Books, LLC
680 Second Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.chroniclebooks.com
(This book has a recipe for tomato and mozzarella pizza, including dough and tomato sauce from scratch.)
Bob's Red Mill
Wheat Free, Gluten Free
Pizza Crust, whole grain mix
(This pizza mix even includes the yeast, which some mixes don't, so keep some on hand!)
13521 SE Pheasant Court
Milwaukie, Oregon 97222
(This package also has a recipe for gluten free cinnamon rolls that look really yummy!)
Fra Mani Sopressata
( nitrate free, similar to pepperoni or salami)
Rockridge Market Hall
Oakland, CA
(510) 250-6005
Bialetti
Pizza Baking Set
(Set includes 14 3/4 Pizza Stone, serving rack, pizza cutter, recipe booklet, and wooden pizza peel)
Bradshaw International, Inc.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(The pizza stone is also great for baking fresh or frozen breads, rolls, or biscuits.)
Best Pancakes in the Bay Area:
Log Cabin Restaurant
San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA
Books about pancakes for children:
Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie de Paola
Monday, March 24, 2014
Jump Sky High- Munchkin Mondays and Home School Mondays- Concord, CA
Jump Sky High, a trampoline park in Concord, CA has a few programs for homeschoolers on Mondays. Billy and I have gone there several times for birthday parties and to jump, it is a huge place!
Resources:
Jump Sky High
(925) 682-5867 (JUMP)
1631 Challenge Drive
Concord, CA 94520
Munchkin Mondays 11AM-1PM
$6.00
6 and under
Home School Mondays
1PM-2 PM
http://CON.jumpskyhigh.com/
Resources:
Jump Sky High
(925) 682-5867 (JUMP)
1631 Challenge Drive
Concord, CA 94520
Munchkin Mondays 11AM-1PM
$6.00
6 and under
Home School Mondays
1PM-2 PM
http://CON.jumpskyhigh.com/
Hidden Villa Farm and Ranch Programs- Los Altos, CA
I discovered Hidden Villa Ranch a few years ago when I took my son to a program for four consecutive Friday mornings. Parents stayed with their child and we would visit a different part of the ranch each week, such as the cows one week, chickens another, etc. The children got to taste vegetables and herbs in the garden and help feed the animals. Billy loved it! The only part that was hard was commuting to Los Altos from the East Bay, it was a hard morning drive.
Resources:
Hidden Villa Ranch
26870 Moody Rd.
Los Altos, CA
94022
(650) 949-8650
http://www.hiddenvilla.org/
Hostel on site:
(650) 949-8648
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to dusk
closed Mondays
Resources:
Hidden Villa Ranch
26870 Moody Rd.
Los Altos, CA
94022
(650) 949-8650
http://www.hiddenvilla.org/
Hostel on site:
(650) 949-8648
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to dusk
closed Mondays
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Musically minded academy- rock ridge, CA
I took my son to musically minded academy for music together classes.
They have several different music teacher classes in violin, piano, guitar, drums, etc.
My friend took a class with Sara Wood, a violin teacher, and they thought she was outstanding.
Resources:
Musically Minded Academy
5776 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 601-5700
Sara Wood
Musically Minded Academy
violin teacher
(415) 730-6247
Upcoming Movie showing at Musically Minded Academy, The Girls in the Band
April 6th, Sunday at 2:00PM
Upcoming Class: Branding and marketing for artists and musicians, by jazz musician, Roberta Donnay
http://www.robertadonnay.com
April 19th, 1:30PM to 3:30PM
They have several different music teacher classes in violin, piano, guitar, drums, etc.
My friend took a class with Sara Wood, a violin teacher, and they thought she was outstanding.
Resources:
Musically Minded Academy
5776 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 601-5700
Sara Wood
Musically Minded Academy
violin teacher
(415) 730-6247
Upcoming Movie showing at Musically Minded Academy, The Girls in the Band
April 6th, Sunday at 2:00PM
Upcoming Class: Branding and marketing for artists and musicians, by jazz musician, Roberta Donnay
http://www.robertadonnay.com
April 19th, 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Carquinez Model Railroad Society Train Show is today, Sunday, March 23, 2014, from 10AM to 4PM
I just discovered that the Carquinez Model Railroad Society is having a March open house today! I'm not sure if we are going to be able to make this one, but there are a few other events coming up soon too!
Resources:
Carquinez Model Railroad Society
(located in Crockett, CA near C & H Sugar Refinery)
March open house
Saturday and Sunday, March 22nd & 23rd, 2014
10 AM to 4 PM
Other upcoming events:
May 10th and 11th- National Railroad Days Open House
June 28th and 29th- Crockett Railroad Days
Address:
645 Loring Avenue
2nd Floor
Crockett, CA
510-787-6703
htttp://www.cmrstrainclub.org/
Resources:
Carquinez Model Railroad Society
(located in Crockett, CA near C & H Sugar Refinery)
March open house
Saturday and Sunday, March 22nd & 23rd, 2014
10 AM to 4 PM
Other upcoming events:
May 10th and 11th- National Railroad Days Open House
June 28th and 29th- Crockett Railroad Days
Address:
645 Loring Avenue
2nd Floor
Crockett, CA
510-787-6703
htttp://www.cmrstrainclub.org/
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Ideas for learning the alphabet and practicing letters and sounds
There are many ways I've taught the alphabet as well as reinforced letters and sounds. Here are some ideas:
1. My favorite is to read tons of ABC books. My son got his first ABC book when he was a baby, There are ABC books for 0 to adults!
Baby ABC
$4.99 USA
DK Publishing Inc.
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY
10014
ISBN 978-0-7894-3648-1
(A friend gave this one to us when my son was a baby, and she got it at Long's drugs.)
2. Alphabet Placemat
I have a several kinds of educational and fun placemats for my son. The alphabet placemat is great for learning the alphabet and for review of letters and sounds. I got most of mine from Games Unlimited Store in Danville, CA.
Alphabet with Animals
Ruskin Co.
3. Sing songs, my son loves to sing alphabet songs in English and Spanish!
Alphabet songs in English
Sounds Like Learning
CD by Discovery Toys 0 +
Alphabet song in Spanish
Lango CD's
Lango.com
4. Workbooks, dittoes, etc.
There are so many different kinds of these. A friend recommended letterhead pages for the alphabet, as the characters heads are shaped by different letters of the alphabet. I haven't personally tried them.
http://www.Letterhead=playground.com
Lakeshore Learning Teaching store in Walnut Creek has a wonderful selection, they also have online choices.
5. Writing letters in non-edible shaving cream! This is a great way to clean a table or desk!
6. Writing letters in edible chocolate pudding or whipped cream. This is unforgettable. Also, a great way to practice writing numbers and shapes!
7. Sandpaper letters
There are different choices on Amazon.com.
Montessori: Lower and Capital case Sandpaper letters with boxes
$48.16
ASIN: B003MG2LCI
Item model # LA003
or
Didax Sandpaper Tracing Letters by Diday
8. Create "Sound Boxes" out of shoe boxes, one letter per box. Or, purchased plastic boxes or small baskets. Also, see Jane Moncure's books for each letter, for example:
My "t" sound box, by Jane Moncure
9. Montessori based book about letter work
Letter Work
by Bobby George
Bobby George also wrote a books entitled Number Work and Shape Work.
10. Alphabet book using scrapbook or 3 ring binder with plastic sheets. Each letter can have pictures, cut outs from magazines, artwork, etc.
7. Sandpaper letters
1. My favorite is to read tons of ABC books. My son got his first ABC book when he was a baby, There are ABC books for 0 to adults!
Baby ABC
$4.99 USA
DK Publishing Inc.
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY
10014
ISBN 978-0-7894-3648-1
(A friend gave this one to us when my son was a baby, and she got it at Long's drugs.)
2. Alphabet Placemat
I have a several kinds of educational and fun placemats for my son. The alphabet placemat is great for learning the alphabet and for review of letters and sounds. I got most of mine from Games Unlimited Store in Danville, CA.
Alphabet with Animals
Ruskin Co.
3. Sing songs, my son loves to sing alphabet songs in English and Spanish!
Alphabet songs in English
Sounds Like Learning
CD by Discovery Toys 0 +
Alphabet song in Spanish
Lango CD's
Lango.com
4. Workbooks, dittoes, etc.
There are so many different kinds of these. A friend recommended letterhead pages for the alphabet, as the characters heads are shaped by different letters of the alphabet. I haven't personally tried them.
http://www.Letterhead=playground.com
Lakeshore Learning Teaching store in Walnut Creek has a wonderful selection, they also have online choices.
5. Writing letters in non-edible shaving cream! This is a great way to clean a table or desk!
6. Writing letters in edible chocolate pudding or whipped cream. This is unforgettable. Also, a great way to practice writing numbers and shapes!
7. Sandpaper letters
There are different choices on Amazon.com.
Montessori: Lower and Capital case Sandpaper letters with boxes
$48.16
ASIN: B003MG2LCI
Item model # LA003
or
Didax Sandpaper Tracing Letters by Diday
8. Create "Sound Boxes" out of shoe boxes, one letter per box. Or, purchased plastic boxes or small baskets. Also, see Jane Moncure's books for each letter, for example:
My "t" sound box, by Jane Moncure
9. Montessori based book about letter work
Letter Work
by Bobby George
Bobby George also wrote a books entitled Number Work and Shape Work.
10. Alphabet book using scrapbook or 3 ring binder with plastic sheets. Each letter can have pictures, cut outs from magazines, artwork, etc.
7. Sandpaper letters
Children must master the language of things before they master the language of words- Friedrich Froebel
For years, I've believed what Froebel wrote in 1895, "Children must master the language of things before they master the language of words."
For my son, I want to introduce him to world so that when he does learn to read a word such as river, he has seen one. As a public school teacher, I've worked with readers that have a story about snow in December, yet had children in the class who have never seen snow. I automatically imitated snow, and now there are even snow boxes, my son got one for the holidays.
Are children expected to learn too much, too early? There is much speculation about this, but it is hard to slow down as what used to be 1st grade is now kindergarten. The article, http://educationnext.org/much-too-early/ is thought provoking.
For my son, I want to introduce him to world so that when he does learn to read a word such as river, he has seen one. As a public school teacher, I've worked with readers that have a story about snow in December, yet had children in the class who have never seen snow. I automatically imitated snow, and now there are even snow boxes, my son got one for the holidays.
Are children expected to learn too much, too early? There is much speculation about this, but it is hard to slow down as what used to be 1st grade is now kindergarten. The article, http://educationnext.org/much-too-early/ is thought provoking.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Digital Thermometer, Non-Contact, from CVS pharmacy- for use on child, bath water, or food
Recently, my son was sick and I sent my husband out to get a new thermometer, as we couldn't find our other one. He got a new non-contact thermometer, and it was so much easier to use than other ones we've had! I remember when Billy was a baby and we had to put the thermometer in his ear and sometimes it didn't work.
Resources:
Digital Thermometer
Non-Contact
CVS Pharmacy
For use on child, bath water, and food
clinically proven accuracy
Includes:
1 Non-contact Thermometer
2 AA Batteries
1 Instruction Pamphlet
1 storage bag
1 quick start guide
Resources:
Digital Thermometer
Non-Contact
CVS Pharmacy
For use on child, bath water, and food
clinically proven accuracy
Includes:
1 Non-contact Thermometer
2 AA Batteries
1 Instruction Pamphlet
1 storage bag
1 quick start guide
Monday, March 17, 2014
Leprechaun Catcher
From the imaginative mind of our six-year-old -- the Leprechaun Catcher!
Please note the two different forms of bait -- gold coins AND marshmallows. One or the other may entice the Leprechaun into the catcher (or perhaps both).
Please note the two different forms of bait -- gold coins AND marshmallows. One or the other may entice the Leprechaun into the catcher (or perhaps both).
Golden Gate Park with Kids
We had a great time visiting Golden Gate Park this past weekend, where we visited the carousel (320 Bowling Green Drive) and nearby "Koret Children's Quarter."
The Koret Children's Quarter is an amazing playground. It has a large concrete slide, which kids slide down using cardboard from boxes. The playground has a huge play-structure, with an enormous rope tower for climbing. Watching your child climb to the top of the rope structure, or slide down the steep slide, is not for the faint of heart; it is a fantastic experience for adventurous kids though! The park is very well maintained; it can get pretty crowded on a beautiful day, but clears out when the fog rolls in.
Here's the steep slide:
Up and up...
Inside the carousel:
On a play sculpture structure:
The Koret Children's Quarter is an amazing playground. It has a large concrete slide, which kids slide down using cardboard from boxes. The playground has a huge play-structure, with an enormous rope tower for climbing. Watching your child climb to the top of the rope structure, or slide down the steep slide, is not for the faint of heart; it is a fantastic experience for adventurous kids though! The park is very well maintained; it can get pretty crowded on a beautiful day, but clears out when the fog rolls in.
Here's the steep slide:
Venturing up the rope structure:
And up!
Inside the carousel:
On a play sculpture structure:
Little Folkies Music Classes in San Francisco, CA for children and their parents- real music!
I want to take my son to a trial class at Little Folkies Music Classes, some of the classes are held in Noe Valley. They also offer violin and guitar classes for adults.
Resources:
Little Folkies Music Classes
www.littlefolkies.com
Resources:
Little Folkies Music Classes
www.littlefolkies.com
Circus Classes at Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland, CA
I'm looking forward to having my son take a class at the Kinetic Arts Center in Oakland, CA. They offer circus classes, such as Circus Arts & Performance, Level I, for 6-8 year olds from 12 to 12:55 on Mondays. They also do classes for adults and have birthday parties. Check out the schedule online, it is packed!
Resources:
Kinetic Arts Center
785 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-4800
www.kineticartscenter.com/
Resources:
Kinetic Arts Center
785 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-4800
www.kineticartscenter.com/
Train Town, Sonoma, CA - open most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the winter and spring
My son first went to train town when he was invited to a birthday party there. It is a fun, family friendly place. From Labor Day through May 31st, Train Town is only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10AM to 5 PM. Then, on June 1st, the hours change to open daily from 10AM to 5PM.
Resources:
Train Town
http://www.Traintown.com
Labor Day to May 31st hours are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10AM to 5PM.
Then, June 1st to Labor Day, the hours are daily 10AM to 5PM.
(707) 938-3912
20264 Broadway
Sonoma, CA
Resources:
Train Town
http://www.Traintown.com
Labor Day to May 31st hours are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10AM to 5PM.
Then, June 1st to Labor Day, the hours are daily 10AM to 5PM.
(707) 938-3912
20264 Broadway
Sonoma, CA
Safari West - Santa Rosa, CA (great place to stay in California and still go on a Safari!)
I've been to Safari West twice, once before I had my son. We even spent a Mother's Day at Safari West -- they do a lunch in the lodge and then everyone goes on a Safari. It was fun!
Resources:
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 579-2551
http://www.safariwest.com
Resources:
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 579-2551
http://www.safariwest.com
Armstrong Redwoods, Guerneville, CA - California ancient redwoods
I love this park! There is also camping!
Resources:
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
California ancient redwoods
170000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville, CA
(707) 869-2015
Resources:
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
California ancient redwoods
170000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville, CA
(707) 869-2015
Dawn Ranch Resort, wonderful place for families to stay, walking distance to town, pool, somedog friendly cabins
My last post was about Johnson's Beach in Guerneville. My son and I went there together in the summer of 2012 for a few days and stayed at the Dawn Ranch Resort. My son reminded me of this place a few days ago, and said he wanted to go back. I remember we had a nice dinner at their restaurant, Agriculture Public House, and he still remembers having a big bowl of mussels there. I looked it up on the menu, and they still have it, it is listed as, "Heirloom Tomato Broth, House Made Chorizo, Fococcia for $16.00. I have never seen him enjoy a meal more, and he ate almost the entire bowl of mussels!
When we went there, we did not have our dog yet, but I was happy to read on the internet that pets are welcome in roadside cabins for an additional $40.00 fee. Just a reminder, though, pets are not welcome at Johnson's Beach Resort in case you want to go there.
We spent a half a beautiful sunny day in 2012, hanging out by the pool with other families. There is a really beautiful walk to the river, and this is a great place for groups of families to go to.
Resources:
Dawn Ranch Resort
http://www.dawnranch.com/dining.htm
16467 Hwy 116 (River Road)
Russian River Appellation, Guernville, CA 95446
*Pets are welcome at roadside cabins, with a $40.00 pet fee.
*They have a dine & stay package, reserve one night in a poolside, redwood, or roadside cabin for $199.00, and receive a $50.00 dining voucher to use at the Agriculture Public House.
Agriculture Public House
@Dawn Ranch Resort
(same address at above)
When we went there, we did not have our dog yet, but I was happy to read on the internet that pets are welcome in roadside cabins for an additional $40.00 fee. Just a reminder, though, pets are not welcome at Johnson's Beach Resort in case you want to go there.
We spent a half a beautiful sunny day in 2012, hanging out by the pool with other families. There is a really beautiful walk to the river, and this is a great place for groups of families to go to.
Resources:
Dawn Ranch Resort
http://www.dawnranch.com/dining.htm
16467 Hwy 116 (River Road)
Russian River Appellation, Guernville, CA 95446
*Pets are welcome at roadside cabins, with a $40.00 pet fee.
*They have a dine & stay package, reserve one night in a poolside, redwood, or roadside cabin for $199.00, and receive a $50.00 dining voucher to use at the Agriculture Public House.
Agriculture Public House
@Dawn Ranch Resort
(same address at above)
Johnson's Beach in Guerneville opens in Mid-May for spring and summer fun for families!
I've been recovering from the flu since last Sunday night. I am ready to start taking my son to the beach and other adventures! In the summer of 2012, I took my son to Guerneville, CA and we went to Johnson's Beach. I am always asking friends who grew up in Northern California where they went as a child, and my friend told me about Johnson's Beach. When I visited, I understood why as it used to be called Johnson's camp and was started by Gertie and Ernie Johnson around 1918. It has been owned and operated by just three families during all that time.
There is no charge to visit Johnson's Beach, and no charge to park either. They do charge to rent canoes, single and double kayaks, pedal boats, umbrellas, inner tubes, and other supplies. They also have a snack bar. Credit cards are not accepted at Johnson's Beach, but I remember the summer of 2012 going to the snack bar, realizing I didn't have any cash, and the person working giving my son an ice cream anyway, it was very sweet!
There is a camping at Johnson's Beach, and it is offered on a first come and first served basis offering tent and a few RV sites. We didn't do that, but I want to bring friends this summer as it looked fun!
Resources:
Johnson's Beach
Open mid-May to early October
10AM to 6PM, no alcohol, BBQ's, glass, or dogs
(707) 869-2022
http: //johnsonsbeach.com/
*Credit cards are not accepted, drivers licenses are required for renting equipment
There is no charge to visit Johnson's Beach, and no charge to park either. They do charge to rent canoes, single and double kayaks, pedal boats, umbrellas, inner tubes, and other supplies. They also have a snack bar. Credit cards are not accepted at Johnson's Beach, but I remember the summer of 2012 going to the snack bar, realizing I didn't have any cash, and the person working giving my son an ice cream anyway, it was very sweet!
There is a camping at Johnson's Beach, and it is offered on a first come and first served basis offering tent and a few RV sites. We didn't do that, but I want to bring friends this summer as it looked fun!
Resources:
Johnson's Beach
Open mid-May to early October
10AM to 6PM, no alcohol, BBQ's, glass, or dogs
(707) 869-2022
http: //johnsonsbeach.com/
*Credit cards are not accepted, drivers licenses are required for renting equipment
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Leprechaun's made out of toilet paper rolls, from the blog, moments of mommy hood
I found a fun idea for my son and I to do this weekend, a recipe for making leprechaun's out of toilet paper or paper towel rolls. As any creative teacher does, I've been saving these rolls so am looking forward to using them!
resources:
Moments of Mommyhood Blog
Directions: http://www.momentsofmommyhood.com/2011/03/toilet-paper-roll-leprechauns.html
resources:
Moments of Mommyhood Blog
Directions: http://www.momentsofmommyhood.com/2011/03/toilet-paper-roll-leprechauns.html
Healdsburg, CA St. Patrick's Day parade on Monday, March 17th 2014 at 7:00AM
The only parade I found in the San Francisco Bay area on actual St. Patrick's Day was in Healdsburg, CA. It is in downtown Healdsburg at 7:00AM, coffee will be served at John & Zeke's at 420 Healdsburg, Ave.
St. Patrick's Day Pub Grub where children are welcome in Sonoma, CA
Ramekins is having a "St. Patrick's Day Pub Grub," on Monday, March 17, 2014. There will be face painting and cookie decorating for the children, and children 12 and under are free!
Resources:
St. Patrick's Day Pub Grub
Ramekins
Monday, March 17, 2014
5-8PM
450 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA
$25.00 for adults, free for 12 and under
(707) 933- 0450
www.ramekins.com
Resources:
St. Patrick's Day Pub Grub
Ramekins
Monday, March 17, 2014
5-8PM
450 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA
$25.00 for adults, free for 12 and under
(707) 933- 0450
www.ramekins.com
St. Patrick's Day parade in San Francisco, CA at 11:00AM, March 15, 2014
There is a St. Patrick's Day parade today in San Francisco at 11:00AM from 2nd, Harrison to the Civic Center. The parade starts at the corner of Market and 2nd.
Resources:
St. Patrick's Day parade
http://www.uissf.org
Resources:
St. Patrick's Day parade
http://www.uissf.org
St. Patrick's Day parade, green pancake breakfast, and festival in Dublin, CA on March 15, 2014, 9:30AM
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I found a website all about St. Patrick's Day at http://www.stpatrick'sday.com/. This year, since my son is six, I think he'll understand more about St. Patrick's Day. I know that last year he learned how important it is to wear green, so you won't get pinched!
St. Patrick's Day is now a special day in our family as it is the "Gotcha" Day for out dog, Momo! My son and I found him last St. Patrick's Day on College Avenue, where the Oakland SPCA had set up a booth in front of Zachary's Pizza. They had told me that the day before, he had gone with a few gals from the SPCA and another dog to the Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade, and that he had done great with all the people and noises. That was a good sign for me that Momo was the dog for us! I have never gone to the Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade, but if we get up early enough, we may go tomorrow!
There are two parades today, one in Dublin, CA and the other in San Francisco, CA. We have friends going to the one in Dublin, but it starts pretty early, at 9:30AM. The other parade starts at 11:00AM in San Francisco at the Civic Center Plaza. Here is some information about both of these parades as well as a few other activities this weekend and Monday. Monday is actually the official St. Patrick's Day holiday.
_____________________________________________________________________________
DUBLIN, CA évents:
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, CA
The 31st annual 2014 parade hosted by the Dublin Lion's Club starts at 9:30AM, starts at Dublin Blvd. from Amador Plaza Rd. The grandstand is at 7400 Amador Valley Blvd.
There is also an annual firefighter's pancake breakfast from 7:00AM to 10:00AM, hosted by the Dublin Fire Department. They will feature "green pancakes" as well as potatoes, eggs, sausages, juice, and coffee. The location will be at fire station #16 on Donohue Dr. and Amador Valley Blvd. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
There will be an all day festival in Dublin both Saturday and Sunday, March 15th and 16th from 10 to 5 at the Dublin Civic Center, at 100 Civic Plaza. This festival is free.
______________________________________________________________________________
St. Patrick's Day is now a special day in our family as it is the "Gotcha" Day for out dog, Momo! My son and I found him last St. Patrick's Day on College Avenue, where the Oakland SPCA had set up a booth in front of Zachary's Pizza. They had told me that the day before, he had gone with a few gals from the SPCA and another dog to the Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade, and that he had done great with all the people and noises. That was a good sign for me that Momo was the dog for us! I have never gone to the Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade, but if we get up early enough, we may go tomorrow!
There are two parades today, one in Dublin, CA and the other in San Francisco, CA. We have friends going to the one in Dublin, but it starts pretty early, at 9:30AM. The other parade starts at 11:00AM in San Francisco at the Civic Center Plaza. Here is some information about both of these parades as well as a few other activities this weekend and Monday. Monday is actually the official St. Patrick's Day holiday.
_____________________________________________________________________________
DUBLIN, CA évents:
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, CA
The 31st annual 2014 parade hosted by the Dublin Lion's Club starts at 9:30AM, starts at Dublin Blvd. from Amador Plaza Rd. The grandstand is at 7400 Amador Valley Blvd.
There is also an annual firefighter's pancake breakfast from 7:00AM to 10:00AM, hosted by the Dublin Fire Department. They will feature "green pancakes" as well as potatoes, eggs, sausages, juice, and coffee. The location will be at fire station #16 on Donohue Dr. and Amador Valley Blvd. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
There will be an all day festival in Dublin both Saturday and Sunday, March 15th and 16th from 10 to 5 at the Dublin Civic Center, at 100 Civic Plaza. This festival is free.
______________________________________________________________________________
Friday, March 14, 2014
My son's favorite brownie mix- Arrowhead Mills, organic
My son Billy and I made boxed Arrowhead Mills brownies today. Billy said, "The brownies are so good that I want them over and over and over again!" He added, "They are chocolately!"
Resources:
Arrowhead Mills Brownie Mix
(made with organic wheat flour, plus real organic chocolate chips and cocoa powder!)
Arrowhead Mills Consumer Relations
4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80301 USA
(800) 434-4246
(certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture
Resources:
Arrowhead Mills Brownie Mix
(made with organic wheat flour, plus real organic chocolate chips and cocoa powder!)
Arrowhead Mills Consumer Relations
4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80301 USA
(800) 434-4246
(certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture
Monday, March 10, 2014
Mary Poppins, my favorite Disney movie is playing at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, Friday, March 14th at 8
My favorite Disney movie is playing at the Paramount Theater on Friday, March 14th at 8:00PM. The box office opens at 6:00PM and the door opens at 7:00PM. The curtain rises at 8:00PM. All tickets are $5.00, the ticket prices include a $2.00 facility fee.
The film, Mary Poppins, received 13 academy award nominations and won 5 awards. It is my all time favorite Disney movie.
Resources:
Paramount Theater of the Arts
2025 Broadway
Oakland, CA
http://www.paramounttheatre.com/welcome.html
The film, Mary Poppins, received 13 academy award nominations and won 5 awards. It is my all time favorite Disney movie.
Resources:
Paramount Theater of the Arts
2025 Broadway
Oakland, CA
http://www.paramounttheatre.com/welcome.html
Best Chiropractors for Children in the Bay area- California
Since my son was a baby we have found 3 chiropractors for children that we go to regularly. Here is there contact information:
Integrative Chiropractor
Dr. Aaron
Dr. Eileen
4341 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 444-4443
Sunflower Chiropractor Studio
(510) 306-7611
sunflowerchiro@sbcglobal.net
Elizabeth Galove, DC
Dr. Nicole Valega
www.lifewithharmony.com
390 Diablo Road, Suite 115
Danville, CA
(925) 639-6778
Integrative Chiropractor
Dr. Aaron
Dr. Eileen
4341 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 444-4443
Sunflower Chiropractor Studio
(510) 306-7611
sunflowerchiro@sbcglobal.net
Elizabeth Galove, DC
Dr. Nicole Valega
www.lifewithharmony.com
390 Diablo Road, Suite 115
Danville, CA
(925) 639-6778
Friday, March 7, 2014
T is for tea and lunch in Berkeley, CA
Yesterday my son and I and friends had lunch at the Imperial Tea Court in Berkeley, CA. There is a peaceful outdoor area for dining also, both an upstairs and downstairs choice. We ordered first, and then picked an upstairs spot. The tea comes with a lid on it which the waitress told us is how tea is served in China. This is our new favorite tea spot in Berkeley! We son got hand strung udon noodles (I saw ladies making the noodles in the back so they really are hand strung! I got the vegetarian noodles for my son, but next time I'd get chicken as he was eyeing his friends bowl! I got vegetarian fried rice, which was gluten free. I would definitely go back there, it is a wonderful place to go for lunch with children during the week. I am not sure what it is like at 1:00PM on a weekend, I guess it is much busier.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Visiting the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento by taking the Capitol Corridor Train from Oakland, CA
Today I took my son to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA. This is the second time he has gone to the museum, the first time my mom also came, we drove there, and it was Veteran's Day. We also took the Veteran's Day steam train that day! It was such a memorable experience!
This second time my son and I took the train all the way to the California State Railroad Museum. We took the Capitol Corridor Train from the Jack London train Station, but the train can also be caught in such areas as Martinez, Richmond, Berkeley, or Emeryville. It only took 2 hours from Jack London Square station and once we got there it was a short few blocks to the museum.
I would highly recommend this journey, it was quite an adventure and only took a day!
Resources:
Capitol Corridor train, Amtrak
Call 1-877-9-RIDECC, 1-877-974-3322
CAPITOLCORRIDOR.ORG
California State Railroad Museum
Sacramento, CA
445-6645
Some photos after we returned to the Jack London Station:
This second time my son and I took the train all the way to the California State Railroad Museum. We took the Capitol Corridor Train from the Jack London train Station, but the train can also be caught in such areas as Martinez, Richmond, Berkeley, or Emeryville. It only took 2 hours from Jack London Square station and once we got there it was a short few blocks to the museum.
I would highly recommend this journey, it was quite an adventure and only took a day!
Resources:
Capitol Corridor train, Amtrak
Call 1-877-9-RIDECC, 1-877-974-3322
CAPITOLCORRIDOR.ORG
California State Railroad Museum
Sacramento, CA
445-6645
Some photos after we returned to the Jack London Station:
My son's favorite book right now- Saving Yasha, The Incredible True Story of an Adopted Moon Bear
I first discovered this book at Pendragon Books on College Avenue in Oakland, CA this past Saturday. I was looking for a birthday present for a 6 year old boy, and the cover of the book caught my eye! The cover has a cute moon bear looking at you with adoring eyes, even I wanted to read the book. The photographs are by National Geographic Young Explorer Liya Pokrovskaya and are amazing. I got this book for my son's friend, and got one for my son too. Since Saturday, my son has had my husband read Saving Yasha each day several times, he loves this book!
I love this book as a parent because it also teaches conservation, geography since there is a map of Asia in the back where the moon bear lives. Also, there are extra resources and book ideas for those that have more interest in the topic, such as us.
We love this book!
Resources:
Saving Yasha
The Incredible True Story of an Adopted Moon Bear
By Lia Kvatum
Photographs by National Geographic Young Explorer Liya Pokrovskaya
National Geographic Society
1145 17th Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20036-4688 U.S.A.
ISBN: 978-1-4263-1051-5
For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, contact National Geographic Books Special Sales at ngspecsales@ngs.org
I love this book as a parent because it also teaches conservation, geography since there is a map of Asia in the back where the moon bear lives. Also, there are extra resources and book ideas for those that have more interest in the topic, such as us.
We love this book!
Resources:
Saving Yasha
The Incredible True Story of an Adopted Moon Bear
By Lia Kvatum
Photographs by National Geographic Young Explorer Liya Pokrovskaya
National Geographic Society
1145 17th Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20036-4688 U.S.A.
ISBN: 978-1-4263-1051-5
For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, contact National Geographic Books Special Sales at ngspecsales@ngs.org
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