Let’s Count Stars!

I’m always on the lookout for citizen science projects that would be fun to do with my son.  I believe it’s a great way to teach science and get kids involved in a real-life project.  Of course, this isn’t just for kids!  Participating in citizen science projects is a wonderful way for people of allContinue reading “Let’s Count Stars!”

Silent Saturday: Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

Photos taken last weekend during a walk along the Pacific Grove section of the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.  My husband took our son on a bike ride, so I could have some much-needed time to myself… Also from our day in Monterey… Going on a Bug Hunt Cyclo-Cross, Monterey Style Weekly Photo Challenge:  Solitary

Weekly Photo Challenge: Solitary

Our one child…. completely entranced by the beautiful view of Monterey Bay. Photo taken September 22, 2012, Pacific Grove, California *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge:  Solitary

Going on a Bug Hunt

While my husband was warming up for his bike race on Saturday (see post here… Cyclo-Cross, Monterey Style), my son recommended we follow one of the nearby trails and go bug hunting.  Excellent idea!  We keep exploration tools (bug viewer, magnifying glass) with us at all times, so we’re ready to go whenever inspiration strikes.Continue reading “Going on a Bug Hunt”

Cyclo-Cross, Monterey Style

I haven’t written much about my husband so far.  Much of the time, while I’m out and about with our son, my husband is out riding his bike.  At this time of year (September – January), this is how he spends his weekends… racing cyclo-cross.  Yesterday, he raced at Fort Ord in Monterey (CCCX series),Continue reading “Cyclo-Cross, Monterey Style”

Silent Saturday: Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve

Photos taken on a hike earlier this week at the Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve in San Ramon… You may also enjoy: Silent Saturday:  Martin Canyon Creek Trail (Dublin, California) Silent Saturday:  Las Trampas Ridge Trail (San Ramon, California)

First Signs of Fall

Yesterday, I wrote about taking your child out on walk to look for signs of Autumn (Take a “Signs of Fall” Walk).  I didn’t feel the seasons changing yet as I wrote the post, but decided to head out for a walk around our neighborhood with my 5-year-old after I wrote the article.  Here’s whatContinue reading “First Signs of Fall”

My Love, the Dark-eyed Junco

I have to admit,  I’m in love with the Dark-eyed Junco.  Not only are these little birds gorgeous, but they do an incredible job of cleaning up all that birdseed the finches drop from the feeder. You may also enjoy… Finch Fun

Go Climb a Tree

We’re lucky to have a couple parks nearby that have great trees for climbing.  The kids are drawn as much to playing on these trees as to the man-made play structures in the parks.  This one is in Kolb Park in Dublin.  Our other favorite climbing tree is in Shannon Park, also in Dublin. DoContinue reading “Go Climb a Tree”

Finch Fun

Yesterday morning, my son was quietly building with his Lincoln Logs when he happily exclaimed, “Look, Mommy, a goldfinch!  There’s a goldfinch at the feeder!”  Now I had to run to the window to check it out, because I honestly can’t remember ever having any yellow birds in our backyard.  My son was correct.  TwoContinue reading “Finch Fun”