Recommended bike riding on a path beside the Detroit River in Detroit, MI

When my son and I were on a recent trip to Detroit, MI, we rented bikes along the Detroit River and we are both still talking about it.  The paths are long and wide, the scenery is gorgeous, and the boats on the Detroit River fun to look at!

Resources:

Home-Made Flag

Our son made a flag using a compost bag and a stick, he was so proud of it  that he wanted me to share it:

Conference- Building A Better Brain: Executive Function For Young Adults with Autism, Sept. 18, 2014

 George McCloskey, Ph.D. Professor and Director of  School of Psychology Research in the Psychology Department of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is presenting on Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 9:30 to 2:30PM.  His topic is "Building A Better Brain:  Executive Function For Young Adults With Autism."

Resources:

Building A Better Brain: Executive Function For Young Adults With Autism
Thursday Sept. 18, 2014
9:30AM- 2:30PM
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-betterbrain

Recommended hotel in Berkeley, CA- The Doubletree Hotel at the Berkeley Marina

I have never personally stayed at the Doubletree Hotel at the Berkeley Marina, but I was impressed with the amenities when my son walked there after kite flying for a warm drink at the cafe.  I noticed an enclosed pool, friendly staff, and they were hosting a HH honors wine reception with cheese, crackers, and fruit.  The location is fabulous as the pool looks out onto the water.  Several people were sitting outside with their wine and appetizers at 5:30PM looking out onto the bay. They looked really happy and content!

Resources:

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Hotel
Berkeley Marina
200 Marina Blvd.
Berkeley, CA  94710
(510) 548-7920

kite flying at the Berkeley Marina, Berkeley, CA

Yesterday, my son and I went kite flying at the Berkeley Marina in Berkeley, CA.  Wow, the wind there is fantastic and there is a gorgeous view too!  We had brought our own Blue Angels Kite that we had tried to use once before and this time we couldn't get it to barely get off the ground.  My friends had gotten kites through Highline Kites at the Berkeley Kite Festival and even my six year old son was able to fly their octopus kite with ease!  My Blue Angels Kite went into the recycling bin today, and I am going to get a few child friendly kites at Highline Kites.  

The best kite flying in the Berkeley Marina is located all the way to the end of the marina on the right hand side, there are hills where there are fantastic views of the water and the entire bay area.  There are also a really nice picnic area for a BBQ with friends with grills and tables.  We saw a few men without children flying more sophisticated kites with two strings and handles they had gotten at REI in Berkeley.  I recommend bringing food and drink as there are no cafes really close.  There is a Doubletree Hotel at the Marina that has a Starbucks in the hotel, if you want a warm drink.  It gets really chilly at the marina so dress warm with layers.  Also, I'd recommend bringing a homemade kite repair kit with tape, scissors, and some sticks to repair broken kites. This was such a fun day, we can't wait to go again!

Below is a picture of a homemade kite Billy made in a class using masking tape, sticks, heavy string and a garbage bag.  It broke, but we taped it up and we are going to try it out one more time.

Resources:

Highline Kites
Shop on Wheels
(Call for hours)
1 Spinnaker Way
Berkeley, CA  94701
(510) 235-5483
(They have basic octopus kites for $20.00, perfect for young children.  My son flew this one with ease!)

The Berkeley Kite Festival
July 26-27, 2014
(They had free kite making, great food, arts and crafts, giant kites, and a kid zone.  I didn't go this year, but my friends went and loved it.  This event is very child friendly!  The owner of HIghline Kites is actually the founder of the Berkeley Kites Festival.)

Berkeley REI
www.rei.com/Prism-Designs-kites
1338 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA
(510) 527-4140

The Berkeley Marina
www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Marina-Home/

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Hotel
Berkeley Marina
(This hotel is walking distance from where we did kite flying.  There is a Starbucks cafe in the hotel.)
200 Marina Blvd.
Berkeley, CA  94710
(510) 548-7920

Recommended hotel in Greektown area of Detroit, Michigan

My son and I recently stayed at The Anthenum Suite Hotel and Conference Center in the Greektown area of Detroit, Michigan.  We ate at the Fishbone's Restaurant, which is connected to the hotel, which Billy loved because of the high ceilings, bricks, and super large rocks which is usually a water fountain.     There is a complimentary shuttle that will take you anywhere within a 5 mile radius.  We went to the Riverwalk area where there is a carousel, bike rental (we road our bikes all along the riverfront), and the Milliken nature preserve.  The following are the things we liked about this hotel:'

-Cement pillars in the hobby and artwork gave my son the impression he was somewhere in Greece.

-Exposed brick walls and high ceilings in the restaurant, Fishbone's, was architecturally interesting.

-The beds were really comfortable.

-There was a luxurious soaking tub and large bathroom.

- Reasonably priced

-Very friendly staff

-Conveniently located to restaurants and freeways, and in the exciting Greektown area

-Check out the Riverfront area with a carousel, nature area, snack bar, bike rental, cargo ship viewing at the Detroit River waterfront, and a playground.

-The Michigan Science Center is at 5020 John R. Street, at 313-577-8400, the driver told me they could take guests there with prior notice.

Resources:

The Atheneum Suite Hotel
1000 Brush Avenue
Greektown
Detroit, Michigan
48226
(313) 962-2323
Nationwide Reservations 1-800-772-2323

Food and Cultural Tours- Detroit, MI- Feet on the Street Tours

When I was in Chicago, Illinois, I took my son on a food tour, and we still talk about it since they took us to places such as a spice shop, a yummy bakery, introduced us to some of a few of the best pizza places in Chicago, and other culinary treats.  After some research, I have discovered a food tour in Detroit, MI.  They offer the following options:

*Delish Detroit- Food Tour

*Prohibition & All That Jazz Tour

*Mexicantown strolling and tasting tour

*Blast from the past tour- This tour would be customized for a family reunion, or a family exploring their roots in the Detroit area, or visiting an old neighborhood, some even use this tour to visit past lives in the Detroit area.

*CEU Tours for Social Workers- This tour looks at diversity, ethnic, and cultural traditions; land use; transportation; area history; blight removal; and rehabilitation efforts in the Detroit area.  It is a combination bus tour and continuing education program with Stephanie Appel of Core Learning Tours for Social Workers.

Resources:

Feet on the Street Tours
1400 E. Fisher
Detroit, MI  48207
(248) 353-8687 (TOUR)

CEU Tours for Social Workers and Educators in Detroit, MI- combo bus tour and continuing education program

The Feet on the Street Tours in Detroit, MI is offering a combination of bus tour and continuing education program with Stephanie Appel of Core Learning Inc. The tour explores diversity, ethnic & cultural traditions, land use, transportation, area history, blight removal, and rehabilitation efforts.

Resources:

Feet on the Street Tours
1400 E. Fisher
Detroit, MI
48207
(248) 353- 8687

Recommended book of the day: Good Night Michigan by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper

I'm not sure who loves the Good Night Michigan book more, my son or I!  Since I'm a Michigander by heart, since I grew up there I love the pictures of Mackinaw Island and other things I did as a child in Michigan.

Resources:

Good Night Michigan
Adam Gamble
Mark Jasper
Copyright 2011 by Our World of Books
ISBN-13: 978-1-60219-054-2
OUR WORLD OF BOOKS
www.goodnightourworld.com

Recommended Hotel in Auburn Hills, Michigan- Hampton Inn at Great Lakes Crossing

The Great Lakes Crossings Mall is the biggest mall in the state of Michigan.  It even has a rainforest cafe and a country bar with bull riding like in the movies (We didn't go to see the bull.)  The Hampton Inn has a complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool.  The reception area was exceptionally patient and good-humored when my 6 year old son discovered that when he picks up the phone and dials 0, someone kind and interested answers the phone and answers all kinds of questions!

Letter to Warren Buffett from my 6 year old son, Billy

Dear Mr. Buffett,

My mommy is writing this for me. I telling her what to write. I am six.  When I grow up I want to buy the railroads from you and then let the Amtrak train go before the cargo trains. I love trains more  than anyone in the world does, so that is what I am going to do.  Do you love trains?  I think you do. Why would you buy the railways if you don't love trains?   Last night our train was many hours late to Chicago.  Everyone was upset because they had to wait around by a fountain to find out what they were going to do.  We couldn't even eat, isn't that bad, we had to wait to find out when our bus was leaving.  We couldn't even  get on a bus right away, but they had to wait for another late train.  There were new babies and children hungry and crying.  A few people were so upset they got arrested. Can you believe how bad that was, Mr. Buffett?   I was scared what was going to happen to everyone. We were told to just wait by a fountain. I met a friend named John who helped us. It was still really bad even with someone to help us.  I didn't want to go on a bus.  Maybe it is time to change the rules of the railway so that passenger trains can be on time.  When I grow up I am going to buy your railway and make it better.  I think babies,kids,and animals and other people are more important  than money and freight and all of that stuff. Why can't the ships do more work?  It is really bad what happened last night, and I am really scared it will happen again even though I really want to keep taking trains.  I'm counting on you to make it better.

Sincerely,

Billy

Campfire Nightlight- taking it camping, trains, and hotels this summer!

I got my son a campfire nightlight for summer travel.  It doesn't need to be plugged in, so no electricity is needed.  It is easy for a child to use as my son just needs to press it.  Best of all, my son loves it!

Resources:

Push on.  Push off night light

"Bring the adventures of the wilderness indoors with the soothing glow of this woodsy inspired press on and off LED night light.  Allows for peaceful slumber and safe late night guidance for your indoor camper."

Cozy all night by Streamline Congers, New York, NY  10920
Streamlinenyc.com

Uses 3 double AA batteries

Mama Curve- healthy foods, cafe, and classes in Petaluma, CA- The Sunflower Center, Petaluma, CA

The Sunflower Center, in Petaluma, CA is about 5 miles from the Petaluma KOA in Petaluma, CA.  They have super healthy vegetarian and vegan foods, plus items packed up to go.  I love the gluten free crackers, dairy free cheese, smoothies, plus they have a large space for children to play.  There is a community wellness speaker series this summer.

Resources:

The Sunflower Center
1435 N. McDowell Blvd. Ste. 100, Petaluma, CA

Community Wellness Speaker Series
Seminar Schedule

July 19th, 2014
12 to 2 PM
Dr. Jennifer Price, DC CACCP, Advanced Biostructural Correction Practitioner
Arnie Cohen, Carousel Fund
Sara Thyr, ND, Naturopath

August 7th, 2014
7 to 9PM
Susan And Martin fisher, 9 Energies
Laurie Cameron, Mentor Me Petaluma
Dr. Pearlyn Goodman-Herrick, ND, DHANP, CHC

August 23, 2014
Helen Greico, Ph. D. Founder of BRave People
Meri Schuhmacher, Mom Blogger of ourdiabeticlife
Anastasia Schuster, founder of Access Speakers

Each seminar is $20.00 at the door, or $15 in advance

DVD of the Day- The Best of I Love Toy Trains, Parts 7-12

A friend got my son this video about trains and he has loved it for over a year now!  It shows clips of trains all over the country so also talks about geography.  I want to get a few more of these as they are great for long car trips.

Resources:

The Best of I Love Toy Trains
Parts 7-12
(ages 5-10)
TM Books & Video
Box 9228
Michigan City, IN 46361

(219) 879-2852
(800) 892-2822I

ISBN 978-1-936890-23-1

www.tmbv.com

Recommended bookstore in Petaluma and Healdsburg, CA- Copperfield's Books

Whenever I go to Petaluma or Healdsburg, I love to stop by Copperfield Books....

(To be continued.....)

Fort Making and Make-It box for traveling

My son loves making forts, and when traveling in a hotel, cabin, or camping I have created an easy to assemble make-it box containing some or all of the items below:

-Tape
 -Scissors
-paper
-crayons
-Banner Hanging Solutions, 6 piece hanging clips, from the FED EX shop (great for fort making)
-Banger Hanging Solutions, 2 piece bungee cords, great for making forts, but be careful with young     children
-a worn, clean blanket

Mommy Curve- the Crossings Restreat, Austin, Texas

The Crossings Retreat is an amazing place with health retreats and spa treatments.  I went on a retreat there after a miscarriage and before I had my son, it was amazing!

When I was at the retreat, there was a coffee cup given to each retreat participant, it was compostable, made of corn!  I had this coffee cup, and have used it for the last 7 years up until a few days ago when it cracked and I finally composted it!



Resources:

The Crossings
thecrossingaustin.com
877-944-3003

growth.  balance.  sanctuary

Billy's snack of the day-GoGo Squeez organic applesauce on the go

Summer is a time for lots of getaways for day and overnight!  Billy loves the GoGo Squeez organic applesauce On The Go.  I would rather give him a real organic apple, but I sometimes don't have one handy and these are great for travel.

Resources:

GoGo Squeez
Organic Applesauce on the go
4- 32 ounce pouches

Manufactured by Materne of North America
20 West 22nd Street
New York, New York
10010

www.gogosqueez.com

Lindsay Wildlife Museum

We spent a fantastic afternoon visiting the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek.  The museum is co-located with a wildlife rehabilitation hospital.  Many different species of birds, all rescues, are on display.

Highlights for us included an interactive computer program that allows you to fly like a raptor over Mt. Diablo, an indoor bee's nest that has a transparent tunnel to the outside, a raven that can say, "hello," and a hospital demonstration in which we watched a vet examine a possum through a one-way window/mirror in real-time with a camera over the exam table.  Really amazing local attraction!

The bee hive:

 The raptor simulator:

Book of the Day: Ranger Rick Jr.magazine, Animal fun for Young Children

A dear friend, Drue,  gave my son a subscription to Ranger Rick a year ago when he was 5 years old. Interestingly,when I asked him what today's book of the day was, he pulled out the June/July 2013 copy of  "The Bear Facts."  Inside the magazine features how to climb a  mountain, follow wild tracks, and play with Grizzlies.  I need to order a current subscription to Ranger Rick Jr!

Resources:

Ranger Rick Jr.
http://www.nwf.org/kids/ranger-rick-jr.aspx
Animal Fun for Young Children
Published by the National Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit federation
ISSN 2169-2750
1110 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA   20190

To subscribe:
Rates are $19.95 per year (10 issues)
Add $12.00 for addresses outside the U.S.
Send check or money order to National Wildlife  Federation
P.O. Box 6307
Harlan, IA
51593-1807
 (or call, 1-888-213-5637)

Fourth of July 2014 at Jack London Square

We had a great day at Jack London Square in Oakland.  Lots to do, including creating boats to ride down a miniature river, a bouncy house, and free tours of a US Coast Guard cutter!

View of the cutter:

Bouncy "ball" house, where kids try to get from one side to the other by jumping on very large air-balls:

Lego truck:

Boarding the cutter:

 One of the guns on the cutter:

 Looking up at the bridge:

Steering the cutter:

View from the bridge:

The bridge controls:

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day!