Family Camp for Families with Adopted Children in Williams Bay, WI

This summer camp for families with adopted children is a unique opportunity for families to learn, share, gain support and celebrate adoption with other families.  Adoptive parents get a rare opportunity at this camp to take a time out from the rush of everyday life to reflect thoughtfully with other parents of adopted children.  This camp includes 5 days, 4 nights lodging, 11 meals, and programming.

Adoption Family Camp
August 14-August 18
300 Conference Point Rd.
Williams Bay, WI
Phone Number:  (262) 245-5155

Fly Fishing

My brother loved to fly fish, and he passed away before I ever had a chance to go with him.  Therefore, this is one thing I want to teach my son.  Yet, how do I teach fly fishing when I never learned?  I am currently researching some fly fishing spots in the United States that are family owned.

Colorado-

Scot's Sporting Goods
Estes Park, Colorado
(970) 586-2877
www.ScotsSportingGoods.com

-Guided Fishing Trips
-Fly Fishing Lessons
-Fishing Pro Shop
-Hiking Pro Shop
-Rentals
-Free Map and Information

This is a family owned business.  They want to share the fun and joy of trout fishing!

Where to do Stargazing in the summer in National Parks in the United States?

A friend told me there is a star festival going on today in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  During the day, check out the visitor center for stargazing activities such as making your own moon bracelet (glow in the dark) and a sun clock.  There are also experts from universities.  In the evening, there are telescopes to check out planets such as Saturn, and to point out the international space station flying by!

National Parks Service celebrating 100 years birthday!

Summer Reading- Astronomy Book List

These are some family astronomy books I found at national parks this summer!

Wishing On A Star
by Fran Lee
(constellation stories and stargazing activities for kids.)

Zodiac
Celestial Circle of the Sun
by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit

Once Upon A Starry Night
by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit
A Companion to Zoo in the Sky

Zoo in the Sky
by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit

They Dance in the Sky
Native American Star Myths
by Jean Guard Monroe and Ray A. Williamson

Stars of the First People
Native American Star Myths and Constellations
by Dorcas S. Miller

The New Patterns in the Sky
Myths and Legends of the Stars
by Julius D. W. Staal

The Stars
A New Way to See Them
2nd Edition
by H.A. Rey
(Beginner's guide to the stars)

Chinatown mystery walk in San Francisco, CA

 1.  Start the Chinatown Cultural tour inside the San Francisco Hilton across from Portsmouth Square. Inside the Hilton Lobby on the main level, there is a Terracotta Army exhibit.  Also, my son loves the giant aquarium.  From there, take the escalator downstairs to the Chinese Cultural Center.  Be prepared, as hours vary.   There is a restaurant inside the hotel lobby for breakfast or snacks.

 Hilton San Francisco
Financial District
750 Kearny Street
San Francisco, CA  94108

Chinese Cultural Center
Hours:  Tuesday-Saturday
              10AM-4PM
               Closed on Sunday and Monday

2.  Walk across street to Portsmouth Square, there is a park and playground.

3.  See Chinatown mural at the corner of Grant and Clay, at the edge of park.  Visit playground for a break.

4.  Take a right on Grant Street, There will be a sign for the Chinese Trade Center, this is where the well known Empress of China restaurant was located, it is now closed.  Inside this building there is  arts and crafts shopping.

5.  For a snack and/or sweet, check out Maggie's Cafe.  We really enjoyed the Jian Dui, topped with sesame seeds.  They also have other pastries and cafe drinks.
Next door to Maggie's cafe, is the Bow Hon Restaurant, at 850 Grant Street for some lunch, if desired.

6.   Turn right on Washington Street, On Walter E. Lum Place, across from the Chinatown Restaurant, there is a Dragon & Phoenix statue.  My son loves statues!

7.  Across the street, there is a "Remember Robert Louis Stevenson" statue with boat on top.

8.  Spot American flag, first one raised here in San Francisco.

9.  Take elevator to lower park, there is another playground.  There is also a parking lot, called Portsmouth garage.  

Chinatown mystery walk in San Francisco, CA

 1.  Start the Chinatown Cultural tour inside the San Francisco Hilton across from Portsmouth Square. Inside the Hilton Lobby on the main level, there is a Terracotta Army exhibit.  Also, my son loves the giant aquarium.  From there, take the escalator downstairs to the Chinese Cultural Center.  Be prepared, as hours vary.   There is a restaurant inside the hotel lobby for breakfast or snacks.

San Francisco Hilton

Chinese Cultural Center
Hours:  Tuesday-Saturday
              10AM-4PM
               Closed on Sunday and Monday

2.  Walk across street to Portsmouth Square, there is a park and playground.

3.  See Chinatown mural at the corner of Grant and Clay, at the edge of park.

4.  Take a right on Grant Street, There will be a sign for the Chinese Trade Center, this is where the well known Empress of China restaurant was located, it is now closed.  Inside this building there is  arts and crafts shopping.

5.  For a snack and/or sweet, check out Maggie's Cafe.  We really enjoyed the Jian Dui, topped with sesame seeds.  They also have other pastries and cafe drinks.
Next door to Maggie's cafe, is the Bow Hon Restaurant, at 850 Grant Street for some lunch, if desired.

6.   Turn right on Washington Street, On Walter E. Lum Place, across from the Chinatown Restaurant, there is a Dragon & Phoenix statue.  My son loves statues!

7.  Across the street, there is a "Remember Robert Louis Stevenson" statue with boat on top.

8.  Spot American flag, first one raised here in San Francisco.

9.  Continue to upper playground, or lower playground in Portsmouth Square.