cottages and RV sites right on water at steamboat slough at the historic delta

With full disclosure, I need to share that I haven't been to Snug Harbor yet.  The reviews are not amazing yet I still want to visit!  Ideally, I will be in an RV.   Snug harbor is in the Sacramento Delta and you can still ride a ferry to and from Ryer Island.  Snug Harbor is a peninsula off Ryer Island.

For history about Steamboat Slough in the California Delta, check out:
www.snugharbor.net/historic-steamboat_slough.htm

Snug Harbor
www.snugharbor.net
3356 Snug Harbor Drive
Ryer Island off State Route 84
Walnut Grove, CA
(916) 775-1455
Snug Harbor is located in Solano County

Learning about and visiting National Parks

I am on a quest to take my children to as many national parks as possible before they turn 16!  Here are some books I discovered about National Parks that are appropriate for children.

Books:

National Parks:  A Kid's guide to America's Parks, Monuments, and Landmarks
by Erin McHugh

Summary:  This book explores more than 75 U.S. parks, monuments, and landmarks.  It is kid friendly and family oriented.

The National Parks
by Dayton Duncan
and Ken Burns

Learning about boats

We've been studying all about boats this summer!  Here are some books and resources we've discovered!

Books:

Boats
A First Discovery Book
Scholastic
ISBN:  0-590-4713-7

This is a great beginning book about boats.  Yet, the illustrations are nice enough that my older son enjoyed looking at the illustrations while reading it to his little cousin.

Learning about Submarines

We have been learning about submarines this summer.  Here are some resources we've been finding for books, field trips, etc.

Books:

DK Eyewitness Books
Submarine by Neil Mallard
Discover the secret underwater world of submarines and submersibles
in association with the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum
ISBN:  0-7894-9501-5

Favorite Books in summer of 2016

These are some of our favorite books this summer!

Herman's Vacation by Tom Percival
ISBN 978-1-61963-990-4

Summary- Herman and Henry, best friends forever, are camping in the great outdoors- and they couldn't be having more fun!  Well, at least Herman is enjoying all of the tent building and marshmallow roasting.  Henry doesn't quite seem to get the hang of any of it.  Herman hates seeing his best friend so sad.  So he decides to plot a very secret, very special surprise and do whatever it takes to make sure Henry has the best vacation ever!  This fabulously funny story about friends who stick together is chronicled through vibrant illustrations and lift-the-flaps.

Fishing Sunday
by Tony Johnston, pictures by Barry Root
ISBN  0-688-13458-0

Summary-  Fishing Sunday, Grandfather calls it.  It's the day I hate the most.  It's embarrassing being stuck on a crowded boat with a barefoot old man who's always talking to the fish.  No wonder the boy keeps wishing he could be left behind.  Then one Fishing Sunday, the boy sees something almost magical about Grandfather's handmade bone fish hooks- and something almost magical about Grandfather himself.


   

Reading Revolution- Reading Spelling Program

Reading Revolution is a developmentally appropriate reading and spelling classroom curricula that effectively engages young children through DVD's, games, songs, and activities.

Reading Revolution
Reading and Spelling Program
www.readingrevolution.com

MOSS Science camps- Mendocino Woodlands

I've heard so much from my homeschooling friends, and friends who go to private schools who rent the  place about the MOSS camps.  I have never gone, but have heard great things about them!

MOSS
http://mendocinowoodlands.org/moss-for-homeschoolers/

Recommended academic tutoring for children, k-6, in all subjects in the SF Bay Area- Miss Lainie

I highly recommend Miss Lainie, MA Ed, Ed Therapist, her center has k-6 tutoring in all subjects.

Lainie's Learning
(925) 457-3195

Active Reading Clinic, Multisensory Reading Tutoring in Walnut Creek, CA

The Active Reading Clinic in Walnut Creek, CA is a wonderful place for reading tutoring in the bay area.  They use games and multi sensory activities to help teach reading to children.

Active Reading Clinic
1543 Sunnyvale Ave
Ste. 205
Walnut Creek, CA
(925)  944-5559

Exploring Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado

Exploring the amazing Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado!

From the San Francisco Bay to Denver, Colorado on the Train!

We took the train from Emeryville, California to Denver, Colorado.  What a ride!  Here are some pictures:

Near San Pablo Bay:

Crossing the longest train suspension bridge West of the Mississippi (over San Pablo Bay north of Martinez):

Testing out the sleeping car:

Heading into the Sierras:

Passing Donner Lake:

Train station in Reno - time for a stretch:

Through the Nevada desert:

 Passing alongside the Colorado River:

Reading in the sleeping car:

Heading down into Denver:

At Union Station in Denver: