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Puppy Love Train your dog
Day Trip!
Beach & eats
Treat Dad 16 fun ideas
Taco Salad Healthy new twist
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June 2021
Every Issue 6
Dear Reader
7
Cooking with Kids Healthy Mexican
12 Features
8
Bits and Pieces Purple Daze Hawaiian Legend Comes to Life
8
Bubbly Bash Our Heroes!
10 Over the River & through the Woods Drive, hike, and eat your way through west Sonoma County.
9
12 Puppy Love How to train your rambunctious new pet.
14 Learning Adventures Keep kids’ brains in gear this summer.
16 Creative Summer Play
Father’s Day Flick Float Your Boat
26 Calendar of Events 30 Humor Break The Relaxa 100
Time to break out the markers and paint.
18 Explore New Worlds Virtually visit museums, with these apps.
20 Happy Is the Lazy Parent Hot trends that make life easier.
22 Dads Just Want to Have Fun Delightful ways to celebrate Father’s Day.
10 4 SonomaFamilyLife
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
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Dear Reader
I
t’s the month we focus on dads and all they do for our families. Want to celebrate your special guy? How about taking him on Sharon Gowan a day-trip? Turn to Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us “Over the River and through the Woods” (page 10) for a journey to the best parks and eateries in west Sonoma County. For even more local ways to honor Pop, check out “Dads Just Want to Have Fun” (page 22). And, of course, our Calendar of Events (page 26) has some inspiring entertainment ideas, too.
alike. But what do you do when the children need to stay busy at home? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Just turn to “Creative Summer Play” (page 16) for easy ways to keep kids’ imaginations fired up. And to make sure their brains stay engaged, too, read “Learning Adventures” (page 14) for five summer-slide prevention tips. Then turn to “Explore New Worlds” (page 18) for apps that bring artifacts and art from well-recognized museums to little ones, wherever they are. We hope your Father’s Day is full of joy and connection. And your June is the start of a fabulously fun summer.
Most of the Father’s Day events we’ve included in this issue are great for grown-ups and children
Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us
Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us
Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us
Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Cover Photographer Dennis Urbiztondo
Contributing Writers
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June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Cooking with Kids
Healthy Mexican A Summer Favorite Gets a Makeover
By America’s Test Kitchen
T
aco salad hits a home run with any crowd. What’s not to love about seasoned beef and the works on a bed of lettuce? Well, while it may be fun, we wouldn’t call a salad based on greasy meat and shredded cheese healthy, even without the fried tortilla bowl. To rework taco salad to be more nutritious but still hearty, we replaced the beef with quinoa. Some tasters had doubts, but this low-saturated-fat, high-fiber source of protein—with its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors—made a good stand-in for ground beef. Toasted and simmered in chicken broth with chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, anchovy paste, and cumin, it acquired a rich, spiced meaty flavor. We substituted escarole for lettuce, cut back on cheese, opting for queso fresco, and added an extra-hefty amount of cilantro. Black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and scallions completed the picture. ¶ Reprinted from The Complete Salad Cookbook (2021) with permission from America’s Test Kitchen, americastestkitchen.com.
www.sonomafamilylife.com
Quinoa Taco Salad • ¾ cup prewashed white quinoa • 3 tablespoons cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil • 1 small onion, chopped fine • Salt and pepper • 2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce • 2 teaspoons tomato paste • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional) • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • 1 cup homemade or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 head escarole (1 pound), trimmed and sliced thin • 2 scallions, sliced thin • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed • 8 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered • 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and chopped • 2 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (½ cup) 1. Toast quinoa in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until quinoa is very fragrant and makes continuous popping June 2021
sound, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to bowl. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in now-empty saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook until onion is softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. 3. Stir in chipotle, tomato paste, anchovy paste, and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and toasted quinoa, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Spread quinoa onto rimmed baking sheet and let cool for 20 minutes. 4. Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons oil, lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in large bowl. Add escarole, scallions, and ¼ cup cilantro and toss to combine. Gently fold in beans, tomatoes, and avocado. Transfer to serving platter and top with quinoa, queso fresco, and remaining ¼ cup cilantro. Serve. Serves: 4 SonomaFamilyLife 7
Bits & Pieces
Purple Daze
D
uring June, the air at Bees N Blooms is perfumed with the sweet scent of organic lavender. The Santa Rosa 11-acre farm grows the purple herb in abundance, and even boasts a labyrinth constructed of it. During the farm’s Lavender Daze event, the public is invited to walk the labyrinth as well as stroll through arced flower rows; hang out with geese, ducks, and chickens; and take in panoramic views of Taylor Mountain Park. The event will be held 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays in June as well as on July 3. Admission is $10 per car. Reservations are required; see beesnblooms.com/?page_id=4789. ¶
Still from Kapaemahu
Bees N Blooms
Hawaiian Legend Comes to Life
O
n Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach there are four stones that legend says were placed there centuries ago by mahu (third-gender people) who brought healing traditions from Tahiti to Hawaii. The belief is that one of those mahu, Kapaemahu, infused the stones with healing power. A modern-day mahu, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, has created an eight-minute animated film, Kapaemahu, about the legend, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. This film, which won a Special Jury Mention at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, is a selection of the Outwatch Film Festival, which will be held June 10–13 as part of this month’s Sonoma County Pride Festival. The film can be viewed at kapaemahu.com. Make a donation or learn more about Outwatch at sonomacountypride.org/ june-10-13-outwatch-film-festival or tinyurl.com/4z4za3x6. For a full Pride schedule, including times for the drive-thru parade and other activities, go to sonomacountypride.org. ¶
Bubbly Bash
I
t’s time for bubbles! No, not champagne. Soapy, blow-and-pop bubbles. This favorite childhood diversion will be the highlight of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County’s seventh anniversary party, the Bubbly Birthday Bash. The event will be held on June 19, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., at the museum’s newly reopened Science and Imagination Gallery, and in Mary’s Garden, also on its grounds. Admission is $9–$12; babies 0–11 months and members get in free. Make a reservation at cmosc.org/visit. ¶
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June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Our Heroes!
L
ive theater is finally back! And Transcendence Theatre Company is jumping in with Hero, an in-person musical tribute to the medical professionals and essential workers who are pulling Sonoma County through the COVID-19 pandemic. Performances will be held June 4–6 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma and June 11–13 and 18–20 at the B. R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen. Shows are at 8:30 p.m., with tailgating beginning at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $59 per car. VIP tickets, which include a bistro table, wine, and desserts, are $129. Select tickets will be available for free to frontline healthcare workers. Go to transcendencetheatre.org to learn more and purchase tickets. ¶
Transcendence Theatre’s Arielle Crosby
Father’s Day Flick
L
ooking for something fun to do on Dad’s day? How about a drive-in movie? On select evenings, the Luther Burbank Center (LBC) turns its parking lot into a drive-in theater, erecting a screen on which it shows old favorites. On June 19, LBC will screen the 1997 blockbuster Men in Black, in which Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones play secret agents with a mission to protect the Earth from aliens. Tickets, which are available at lutherburbankcenter. org or tinyurl.com/3j5cthat, are $35 (per carload) when purchased in advance and $40 the day of the show. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; the film starts at sunset (around 9 p.m.). Turn to “Dads Just Want to Have Fun” (page 22) for more Father’s Day celebration ideas. ¶
Men in Black
Float Your Boat
F
irst built by Arctic indigenous peoples, kayaks have been around for thousands of years. Local youth can learn how to paddle modern versions of these ancient vessels at the Junior Rangers: Learn How to Kayak on the Russian River event, hosted by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Association. Instructors will teach kids ages 7–13 paddling techniques, safety guidelines, and how to “read the river.” The paddle will be held on June 10, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and will start at the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg. The fee is $15 and registration is required. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Register at tinyurl.com/95mzet9d or at parks.sonomacounty. ca.gov. Interested in a grown-up kayaking trip? Check out Kayaking with the Dragons of Sonoma County, a paddle that will involve a discussion about dragonflies. The event will take place on June 12, 9–11 a.m., at Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa. Kayaks, paddles, safety gear, and instruction will be provided. The fee is $25; parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Register at tinyurl.com/yysv2kx9 or at parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com
June 2021
SonomaFamilyLife 9
Hit the Road
Over the River & through the Woods A Family Day Trip to Remember
4
Hike at Jenner Headlands. After filling up on fruits of the sea, continue north on Highway One and, just past Jenner, find this park. You’ll be treated to spectacular ocean vistas as you hike up the 4.5-mile Sea to Sky to Raptor Ridge Loop Trail. (Leashed dogs are allowed.) If you are looking for a flat walk, double-back on Highway One and head to the Kortum Trail, which runs along the bluffs. The wooden walkway on the first leg of the northern part of the trail is stroller-friendly, but dogs are not allowed. If you favor water over land, then rent kayaks in Jenner at the Water Treks kiosk (across from the hip Aquatica Café; watertreks.net) and take a paddle around Penny Island. You might even see some seals!
3
Grab lunch at the Fishetarian Fish Market. After you’ve had enough sea and sand, head north about a mile and a half on Highway One to this popular eatery (right next to Lucas Wharf) for a delectable rockfish sandwich or fish tacos. The Kids’ Menu offers small portions of fish and chips as well as staples like grilled cheese and an almond-butter version of PB&J. Another option: Head to Spud Point Crab Co. in Bodega Bay for a cup of their famous clam chowder.
Fishetarian Fish Market Ahi Sandwich
Jenner Headlands
D
uring the average summer, kids climb the walls. Add in more than a year of shelteringin-place and general pandemic insanity, and the kid crazies have most likely reached biblical proportions. The solution: a day trip. We live in a place world-renowned for its beauty. Take advantage of it! Here are our ideas for a memory-making weekend adventure.
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1 Jenner
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Hit the beach at Doran Regional Park. Take a walk on a two-mile stretch of sand, fly kites, build castles, and even fish at this Bodega Bay park. Be sure to get there early so you have plenty of time on the beach before the brisk late-afternoon wind kicks in. Day-use fee is $7.
1
Bodega Bay
Begin. Start off in Sebastopol and drive toward the coast via Bodega Highway. Let rolling hills bearing the secret of soon-to-be-seen waters bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Play car games like I Spy or 20 Questions to keep any backseat squabbling at bay. Doran Regional Park
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5 Jenner Headlands
Guerneville Taco Truck
Go Mexican (or Mediterranean or Indian) for dinner. All that exercise will surely fire up an appetite. And there’s nothing like a taco truck to fill up bellies on the cheap. There’s a great one in Guerneville, in the Walmart parking lot, called simply the Guerneville Taco Truck. We love their burritos, which drip with savory authentic goodness. If Mexican isn’t your thing, then head back to Sebastopol and choose from a variety of eats, such as the Mediterranean fare at East West Café (kids love the sweet potato fries), vegetarian grub at the newly remodeled Slice of Life, or get samosas at Namaste Kitchen. If you have any energy left at all, indulge in the homemade ice cream at Screamin’ Mimi’s, a local favorite for 20 years. Or go to Sonoma Chocolatiers for some organic award-winning truffles. (Just get there before they close at 6 p.m.) Then rustle up the brood and go home, where all will fall happily exhausted into sweet slumber.
East West Café Salmon Tacos
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Sonoma Chocolatiers
Guerneville
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Sebastopol Freestone ay ghw a Hi g e Bod
Screamin’ Mimi’s
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Get breakfast at Wild Flour Bread. This Freestone bakery is worth making carbs legal for a day. And they’ve got their COVID game on, too. A quick-moving, well-ordered outdoor line will greet you, along with a blackboard listing pastries from their wood-fire brick oven. Everything—from the sticky buns to the fig-ginger-pear Egyptian bread to the scones in flavors like apricot or double chocolate—is a treat for the tastebuds. (Gluten-free scones sometimes make an appearance, too.) Once you’ve eaten your fill, and packed some goodies for the road, forge ahead for some beach time.
Wildflour Bread owner Jed Wallach
www.sonomafamilylife.com
June 2021
SonomaFamilyLife 11
3
Set up a gate. If you let your dog run loose throughout your home, you are asking for trouble. Designate puppy-safe areas, which can be cordoned off, and make sure electrical cords and other shock or choking hazards are inaccessible. Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms work best for a young pup. Think puppy-proof instead of baby-proof.
Puppy Love
10 Tips for Successfully Training a New Dog
By Christina Katz
N
othing makes a house feel like a home and bonds a family better than a scampering little bundle of fur, grrs, and face-licks.
But your sweet, helpless buddy is also an animal, whose instincts need to be channeled, pronto, before your cutie pie morphs into a weapon of mass home destruction. Here’s what to do to keep your home puppy-safe.
1
Get a puppy-training crate. Because puppies have endless energy and you don’t, your dog is going to need a safe haven. So don’t wait. Get the right size dog crate so your pup can stand up easily with a little room to grow. Until your pup is done teething, an old towel is all that it needs for a bed. Best part: When the puppy is in the crate, you can leave the
12 SonomaFamilyLife
Designate puppy-safe indoor areas. room or the house without the fear of having your stuff destroyed.
2
Go straight to the vet. Any animal brought into the home needs a clean bill of health and several rounds of inoculations to keep it and your family safe. Use the crate to safely transport your pup to the vet. Resist the urge to let your puppy be loose or on your lap in the car. Puppies are usually unfazed by quick trips to the vet for multiple shots in the shoulder, and they often sleep longer after they receive their vaccinations.
4
Schedule potty alarms. Eventually your pup will be able to make it all the way through the night without any potty breaks. Until then, set an alarm for the amount of time you know your pup can hold it.
Any animal brought into the home needs a clean bill of health. Otherwise, you are teaching it how to wake you whenever it wants. When the alarm goes off, scoot that pup straight outside, give the command to go, and praise the results. Then, in the future, every time your pup comes out of its crate, it’ll remember where it’s supposed to go.
5
Meet your best friend’s best friend. Every dog trainer has a magic treat that can get a puppy to do anything. Believe it or not, for most trainers, this treat is freeze-dried liver. You may as well buy a large tub of the beige, chalky stuff.
6
Buy best quality. If you eat quality food, offer the same to your pup. It may cost a little more, but think of it as an investment. Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a couple scoops of high-quality food
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
keep the vet away. Two feedings a day, at daylight and dusk, work well for most families. Your new puppy will also need constant access to fresh, clean water except when it’s asleep in the crate.
7
Go natural. Dogs prefer natural bones and chew-things that come from digestible, dehydrated animal parts. Bonus: Your pup is unlikely to confuse real bones and animal parts with everyday household items like slippers, shoes, and stuffed animals. Be especially leery of rawhide chews, no matter how rampant in pet stores, because they do not digest easily. Tip: During teething time, apply Bitter Apple spray to furniture legs, upholstery, or any chewable surfaces.
8
Be ready for anything. In terms of pee and poop, that is. If you are prepared for an accident before it occurs, you will be less likely to freak out if and when it does. If the unthinkable happens,
Every dog trainer has a magic treat that can get a puppy to do anything. try not to over-react. Keep clean-up supplies and enzyme spray at the ready to remove the pee-hither scent from the scene of the crime.
9
Keep cool. You would never hit or scold your child harshly for making a mistake during potty training, right? So when your little
buddy has a whoopsie, redirect without scolding. Never use physical punishment or yell. Just calmly take your puppy outside to finish the job and then calmly put it in the crate. Clean up the mess without grumbling, and spray the spot with enzyme neutralizer to eliminate the likelihood of a repeat.
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Get ready to play. Make sure your pup gets enough time outside and plenty of exercise— it’ll mean less wear and tear on your home and belongings. And your pup will sleep better, too. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz knows that sweet puppies turn into even sweeter dogs.
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SonomaFamilyLife 13
something enriching or creative with her brain. However, we make an exception if the screen is being used in pursuit of self-expression. So if she wants to look up fashions from different periods so she can render them more accurately in her fashion
Teaching your child new skills can be a fun way to share your knowledge.
Learning Adventures 5 Ways to Prevent the Summer Slide By Christina Katz
S
ummer is upon us—and so is the dreaded summer slide. But never fear. Believe it or not, you can prevent learning loss with a DIY at-home enrichment program that employs these ideas.
Issue a reading challenge. Your children’s brains will definitely turn to mush if you let them do nothing but play video games and watch TV. So sign them up for Sonoma County Library’s summer reading challenge (sonomalibrary.org, see page 19)—or even create your own. We buy our daughter eight age-appropriate, reading-challenge books before school gets out. The rule is she must read for at least a half-hour on weekday mornings before she can do anything else. The half-hour often turns into 14 SonomaFamilyLife
an hour, or even hours, depending on the book. Keep your costs down by borrowing books, or buying second-hand books or e-books. Ban cell phones in the a.m. In our house, phones are viewed as a privilege, not a right. As long as we pay for them, we get to model healthy cell phone behaviors no matter what the other parents are doing. So we don’t use cell phones until noon, every day, even when it’s not summer. The idea is that, instead of staring at a screen, Samantha could be doing
notebook, that’s allowable. We also permit a quick phone check first thing in the morning to wish someone a happy birthday or to reply to a message. Tackle life-skill projects. Teaching your child new skills can be a fun way to share your knowledge. Examples might be creating a garden with a toddler or preschooler, cooking a small meal with an elementary school child, redecorating a room with a tween, or balancing a checkbook with a teen. Such projects are great bonding opportunities. Heading out together to select seeds, shop for food, decide on paint colors, and visit the bank turns the mundane into a shared adventure. As parents, we know a lot, but we often don’t take the necessary time to share what we know. Summer is the perfect time to connect while pursuing age-appropriate training. Schedule daily, weekly, and monthly chores. Before summer begins, sit down and make a chores list for each child. Divide it up into daily, weekly, and monthly chores so kids can’t wiggle out of helping with big jobs like cleaning out the garage or washing the cars. Kids like to feel like they are graduating to
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
more sophisticated chores the older they get, so make sure the level of chore difficulty matches each child’s aptitudes and abilities. Kids can feel proud of pitching in, whether they simply empty the dishwasher daily, clean their rooms weekly, or do yard work with the whole family every other week.
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Keep your costs down by borrowing books, or buying second-hand books or e-books. fun, put them in charge of exploring a topic they are excited about and watch what happens. Look for summer learning opportunities through your child’s school, local library, YMCA, or community center. In addition, video-training series are available online. Just make sure you screen the instructor, website, and material for security and age-appropriateness. You can even help your kids create their own curriculum using books and videos. If you have company or go to someone else’s home, let the enrichment routine go for the sake of enjoying the moment. Routines create structure, which increase kids’ feelings of stability and security. But don’t be afraid to bounce the routine in favor of an impromptu trip to the beach. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is a creative type who loves routines. She also loves bagging the routine in favor of a spur-of-the-moment adventure with the family, which is what summer is all about.
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THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERY STUDENT AT SANTA ROSA CITY SCHOOLS
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e’re the largest school district in Sonoma County, with 9 elementary and 4 charter schools (French, Spanish, arts, and accelerated), and 11 middle and high schools. SRCS has Career Technical Education programs; magnet programs that partner with our local junior college and university; an award-winning high school arts program; and an International Baccalaureate Program.
We recognize and value each student’s individuality and our community’s cultural wealth. TO REGISTER, CALL 707-890-3808 (BILINGUAL)
June 2021
www.srcschools.org SonomaFamilyLife 15
catch ideas as they go flitting by or to jot down a few professional to-dos. And, believe it or not, if I write down the household chores on the white board in the kitchen, I’m more likely to get the cooperation from the rest of the family when I need it.
Creative Summer Play 8 Imaginative Ways to Amp Up the Fun By Christina Katz
M
ake sure you are ready for a summer that is as creative as it is easy. These tips will help you squeeze as much fun as you can out of every lazy summer day.
Test-drive the art supplies. Where do you keep your arts and craft supplies? If they are stored where they are easy to access, your kids will be more likely to use them. Give your arts and crafts storage area a quick overhaul before the vacation months arrive. Check markers. Sharpen pencils. Restock your finger paint and drawing pads. Whatever kinds of projects your family likes to indulge in, make sure you’ve got all the supplies on hand and ready to roll. 16 SonomaFamilyLife
Projects are more likely to get finished when they are easily accessible. Create plenty of places to brainstorm. We have an assortment of white boards around the house that absorb an awful lot of creative energy. My eight-year-old daughter kneels in front of the one in her bedroom when she wants to draw picture after picture after picture. I use one in my office to
Become project-oriented. Creating a garden, tree house, or worm box are all examples of outdoor projects the family can undertake together. If you prefer to
Why have a common garden when you could have a fairy garden or a pizza garden? stay indoors, why not get a jump on next season’s holiday gifts or cards? If everyone in the house prefers to work on their own projects at their pace, why not make sure that each person has her or his own craft area? You’ll find that projects are more likely to get finished when they are easily accessible. Bring on the color. Painting your walls, furniture, fence, or house is one of the cheapest and most fun ways to get a fresh look at home. Why not get the whole family involved? Tweens and teens might enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting an entire house painted. Mom and Dad can swing in a hammock and sip a cold drink while each school-age child paints one piece of furniture from their bedrooms a favorite new hue. Plant a theme-based garden. Why have a common garden when
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
you could have a fairy garden or a pizza garden or a found-objects garden? For ideas and inspiration, consult Sharon Lovejoy’s illustrated gardening books: Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots (Workman, 1999), Trowel & Error (Workman, 2002), and Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars (Workman, 2010). Why not give each member of the family a garden plot where she or he can nurture the harvest of her or his choice? Take an unexpected adventure. When you set out as a family towards an unfamiliar destination, your senses come alive with possibilities. Instead of planning every summer family outing, why not just grab some snacks and water bottles, hop in the car, and surprise
yourselves? Explore a nearby town, take a day-trip to San Francisco, or visit one of the many local beaches and parks. Keep a list of destinations on one of your whiteboards, take a quick family vote to decide on a venture, and go! Get a little wild. Maybe during the school year you don’t welcome
Give your arts and crafts storage area a quick overhaul. the extra mess that body paint, mud, glitter, bathtub crayons, clay, or temporary hair dyes can bring into your hallowed home. But during the summer months, why not?
Kids experience a lot of pressure to conform when they are in school, so let them get wild while the days are long, the nights are short, and homework is nothing more than a distant memory. Make multimedia memories. Keep a camera or a video recorder handy so you can document your colorful, creative summer and share it with your distant friends and relatives. And don’t worry about what to do with all your images and film clips. The long winter is coming just as sure as you are fully enjoying every minute of your fleeting summer. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz adores summer family fun.
Foster a teen or tween.
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w w w. S o n o m a F o s t e r C a r e . o r g June 2021
FOSTER
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Contact us to find out if YOU would make a great foster parent.
ADOPT
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The whole family will love her.
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Play. This app from the American Museum of National History shares behind-the-scenes stories about the museum’s displays, fun facts, educational videos, and the opportunity to take selfies with favorite exhibits. Quizzes test kids’ understanding of what they’re learning as they move around the museum.
Explore New 8 Apps That Take Worlds Kids on Virtual Trips By Tanni Haas
I
f you want to explore the world this summer but also save some money, why not take virtual family trips? Here’s a list of some of the very best free apps that’ll take you on some amazing journeys in time and space—all from the convenience of your home.
Art Institute of Chicago Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. The Art Institute of Chicago possesses some of the most iconic American paintings, including American Gothic by Grant Wood and Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. The museum’s award-winning app lets kids see these and many other masterpieces. And it offers several audio tours featuring colorful anecdotes about the artists as well as background music from different time periods. Users can also search for information about specific artworks. 18 SonomaFamilyLife
Civilisations AR Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Developed by the BBC, this impressive app uses augmented reality to introduce visitors to some of the world’s most well-known artifacts, such as Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. Your kids can rotate the pieces, zoom for details, and see what the objects would’ve looked like when they were originally made. Explorer—American Museum of National History Available at Apple App Store and Google
Google Arts & Culture Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. This app offers an exciting way to experience history and our contemporary world. With artifacts from more than 2,000 cultural institutions in 80 countries, your family can do anything from study
Stream full episodes of documentary nature shows. Mona Lisa’s famous smile to see stunning images from NASA’s space missions. The kids can search for portraits that resemble them, take all kinds of guided tours, and point their phone cameras at artworks to learn more about them. National Museum for African American History and Culture Mobile Stories Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. This app from the Smithsonian Institution’s latest addition—the National Museum for African American History and Culture—features stories and videos about the lives of African-American people throughout time. Your kids can share their experiences with other virtual visitors and read others’ reactions.
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Nat Geo TV: Live & On Demand Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Stream full episodes of documentary nature shows, such as Life Below Zero, Secrets of the Zoo, and Wicked Tuna. Search programs based on what’s new and popular among other viewers, or by specific topics.
Now Accepting New TK–6th Grade Students for the 2021–22 School Year. www.rvusd.org
Newsela Student Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. This app boasts a large library of articles (all searchable by keyword) that you and the kids can use to learn more about your favorite topics. The kids can also take quizzes to track their
See stunning images from NASA’s space missions. learning and do writing activities related to what they’re reading. Each article is available at five reading levels, which makes the articles accessible to kids of all ages. The Walt Disney Family Museum Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. It can be hard to find a museum that’s equally captivating to kids and adults alike. The Walt Disney Family Museum fits the bill, and, via this app, you can visit it no matter where you live. Take a virtual tour that tells the story of Walt and his most famous creations, listen to exclusive audio clips with Walt, and watch lots of Disney film clips. ¶ Tanni Haas, PhD, is a college communications professor.
www.sonomafamilylife.com
PREPARING CHILDREN TO BE LIFELONG LEARNERS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • CRITICAL THINKING • COMMUNICATION • COLLABORATION • CREATIVITY 707-542-7375 ext. 4118 • 1000 Yulupa Ave. • Santa Rosa • www.rvusd.org
KIDS & TEENS
ADULTS Rewards for Reading!
SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY/BIBLIOTECA
Summer Reading Lectura De Verano
Prevent the summer slide
June 1 - August 14 Join our community of readers this summer — read 960 minutes to earn free books and a chance to win awesome prizes! 1 SIGN UP online at sonomalibrary.beanstack.org or in the Beanstack app 2 TRACK YOUR READING online in Beanstack or get a paper log at any library 3 COLLECT YOUR PRIZE at any library location, during open hours
Check out the schedule on our site sonomalibrary.org/summerreading2021 June 2021
SonomaFamilyLife 19
other thing and all eyes are on you in an otherwise quiet, public place. If I regret anything in my life, it’s that I didn’t wear my kids more when they were babies. (Exception: the Moby wrap. Wrestling 25 yards worth of cotton with a crying baby on your hip can make anyone weep, particularly a postpartum woman).
Happy Is the Lazy Parent 5 Trends for an Easy, Breezy Summer By Pam Moore
W
hile the world is determined to make us believe summer is fun and relaxing, we parents know better. The days are long, which means our kids are up way too late. No school means scheduling camps, playdates, sitters, etc. Then there’s all that sun, which means coercing our kids into putting sunblock on. Yes, summer is hard, but you can make it easier by embracing some hot trends. Maybe you stopped caring about trends when you gave in and bought a minivan. Maybe it happened as soon as you peed on the stick. But trust me, there’s a reason these parenting hacks are hot right now. They save so much work.
1. Babywearing The baby snuggles while you keep both hands free. Babywearing means not having to strategize your approach at every doorway or MacGyvering through stairwells with 40 pounds of stroller, 20 SonomaFamilyLife
baby, and diaper bag slung across your body. Babywearing eliminates those face-prickling, nervous-sweat moments when you’re futzing to unlatch your stroller as your baby wails and the one thing just won’t attach to the
2. Baby-led weaning Baby-led weaning is a fancy way of saying you feed your babies regular food. Instead of spoon-feeding your babies purees that you have to make or buy, you
The romper should be the staple of every lazy mom’s summer wardrobe. give them soft foods they can eat with their hands. Why did I spend so much time pureeing various combinations of fruits and vegetables, and then struggle to simultaneously feed myself, read the paper, and spoon-feed my kids for hundreds, maybe thousands of meals? I wish I’d considered how much easier (read: lazier) it would have been to set a few mashed pieces of my chicken and sweet potatoes on my babies’ high chair trays and let them have at it. 3. Waldorf principles Waldorf schools are notorious for banning screens. While letting the TV babysit your kids is the epitome of lazy parenting, there is, in fact, a place for the Waldorf philosophy in the lazy parent’s home. Waldorf emphasizes connecting with nature and creative play. Sending your kids to the backyard and shutting the door behind them is a great way for them to discover the natural world. Meanwhile, the glut of plastic toys hampers kids’
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
imaginations. Letting kiddos create a rich imaginary world means fewer toys to trip on and less time spent inventing ways to make clean-up fun.
Babywearing means not having to strategize your approach at every doorway. 4. Minimalism Less is truly more. Fewer toys means less time spent sorting and tidying. A smaller wardrobe means less laundry. A smaller house means less cleaning. Principles of minimalism apply not just to your material things, but to the obligations that clutter up your emotional and spiritual life as
well. Don’t feel like meeting up for a drink with that preschool mom you’d never be friends with if you didn’t have kids the same age? Don’t. You’re not a terrible human. You’re just a minimalist, protecting your greatest asset—your time.
Letting kiddos create a rich imaginary world means fewer toys to trip on.
attempting a budget version of one of those perspire-excessively-in-acompression-garment weight-loss strategies). Send your yoga pants to Goodwill along with the teeny-tiny Legos and find yourself a romper. The romper is superior to yoga pants in every way. It doesn’t just match everything—it is everything. Once it’s on, all you need are shoes and you’re dressed. Romp-and-go style is yours with zero fuss (until you have to use the restroom). ¶ This article was originally published on Motherly.
5. Rompers The romper should be the staple of every lazy mom’s summer wardrobe. Yoga pants may be comfy and match everything, but they’re not a great summer piece (unless you’re
Pam Moore is an author, body-positive health coach, occupational therapist, and certified personal trainer who helps women push through fear to become their best selves. To get her free guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome, visit pam-moore.com.
IN-PERSON SUMMER CAMPS!
June 21–25: Trolls 2 July 5–9: Moana July 12–16: Tinkerbell July 19–23: Frozen 2 July 26–30: Tangled Aug. 2–6: Little Mermaid
Space is limited! All safety measures will be observed. REGISTER TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
PLUS YEAR-ROUND ART, MUSIC & DANCE CLASSES CALL FOR A FREE TRIAL TODAY: 707-575-6858 www.artandsoulschool.com • info@artandsoulmusic.com 9064 Brooks Rd. S., Windsor www.sonomafamilylife.com
June 2021
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(parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/ fishing) and the Mendocino Area Parks Association (mendoparks.org/ fishing) for numerous places to fish in the area. For Lake County fishing spots, including, of course, Clear Lake, go to lakecounty.com/experience/ fishing-in-lake-county.
Dads Just Want to Have Fun 16 Unforgettable Father’s Day Outings
By Christina Katz
B
efore you start preparing that traditional breakfast-in-bed for Dad on Father’s Day, consider some of these outings first.
1. Soaring Dad Stop at a kite store on your way to the best kite-flying park in town, and you’ve got a great impromptu Dad’s day excursion. We recommend Doran Beach in Bodega Bay (see page 10). 2. Drive-In Dad Surprise Dad with tickets to a drive-in movie theater. Carpool Cinema at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa has scheduled Men in Black for June 19 (lutherburbankcenter. org/carpool-cinemas). Or check out Lakeport Auto Movies Drive-In in Lakeport (lakeportautomovies.com).
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3. Rappelling Dad Does Dad love an intense challenge? If so, rock climbing at your local climbing center is a great idea. Try Vertex Climbing Center in Santa Rosa. 4. Biscuits & Gravy Dad Let’s face it: One of the best places to go on Father’s Day is out to brunch. Hit Dad’s favorite greasy spoon or surprise your favorite guy with a new-to-him restaurant you think he’ll love. You can eat outside or order out. 5. Angler Dad If Dad loves fishing, there are plenty of local places to cast a line. See the websites of Sonoma County Regional Parks
6. Tomahawking Dad Some dads love nothing more than a nice long game of Frisbee. So surprise him with a new disc to add to his collection and then head to the nearest Frisbee
Rock climbing at your local climbing center is a great idea. golf course. Try out the courses at Taylor Mountain in Santa Rosa and at Mendocino College in Ukiah. For more locations, go to the website of the Professional Disc Golf Association (pdga.com). 7. River Rat Dad Some dads are just water-lovers. If your dad is one of them, he’ll probably love a day of kayaking, rafting, or tubing on the Russian River, Eel River, or Clear Lake. Or just send him to the beach and let him soak in the sun. 8. Lip-Smacking Dad Barbeques are great, but today is Dad’s special day and he’d probably like to be waited on rather than cook. So what’s it going to be: steak, BBQ, pasta? 9. Breaking Away Dad Is Dad a cyclist? Take him and the family for a spin. You don’t have to own enough bikes for everyone to go. Rent a few for the day instead. 10. Putting Dad For some dads, there is no greater joy than sharing
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Bennett Valley Union School District Registration now open for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2021–22 School Year
a love of golf. If kids are young, mini-golf is a great option.
Call 542-6272 to sign up
A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2020–21 will be accepted
11. Paint-Splattered Dad For dads with tweens and teens, an afternoon at the paintball park can be thrilling, not to mention colorful. Look up Santa Rosa options on Yelp. 12. Bouncing Dad Even though he might not be prepared to do flips, Dad might be up for an afternoon at the local trampoline park. Jumping
Some dads love nothing more than a nice long game of Frisbee. is fun and relaxing. Try Rebounderz in Rohnert Park, or Epicenter and Rockin’ Jump, both in Santa Rosa.
California Distinguished Schools
Yulupa Primary School Preschool–Third Grade 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272
Strawberry Intermediate School Fourth–Sixth Grade 2311 Horseshoe Drive, Santa Rosa 707 526-4433
Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools
Your child’s joy of learning is nurtured with our: • • • • •
Excellent Teachers Reduced Class Size (K–3) Kinder Bridge Transitional Kindergarten Extended Day Kindergarten (8:30–1:25) Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs
• Band, Percussion and Chorus (4th–6th) • Boys’ and Girls’ Interscholastic Basketball (4th–6th) • Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship • Gifted and Talented Education (4th–6th)
YMCA provides on-site child care Registration Packets available Jan. 4. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2021 to be eligible for kindergarten. Two-year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2021.
707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org
13. Bull’s Eye Dad Go on Yelp for a selection of local archery stores and instructors. Have Dad get a few pointers before purchasing a bow-and-arrow set to use in your yard. 14. Tire-Screeching Dad Even though kids may not be old enough to drive, they can have fun racing Dad at the nearest Go-Kart destination. Try the Scandia Family Fun Center in Rohnert Park. 15. Everybody Now Dad Outdoor concert opportunities abound in the summertime. Be sure to choose a singer or group that will get Dad grooving, and grab tickets ahead of time.
OUR SCHOOL MISSION + PHILOSOPHY
16. Stomping Dad Looking for a last-minute adventure for Father’s Day that won’t break the bank? Hiking is perfect. ¶ Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach.
www.sonomafamilylife.com
www.presentationschool.com | admissions@presentationschool.com | 707-953-0122 ext. 202
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Cutest Kids & Pets Contest Featured Favorites
Thanks to everyone who entered! We wish we had room for all of the wonderful pictures we received. Keep loving up your sweet pets.
Kaylee, Alyssa & Chaco
Valentina & Stella
Shaina Hill-Davenport & Mateo Featured on this month’s cover
Saxxon & Minion Bob
Nic & Ollie
Emilia & Wolfcat
24 SonomaFamilyLife
Isabel & Charlie
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
sonoma LOCAL
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June 2021
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June
Calendar of Events
Tuesday 1 FREE Virtual Pride Group for Teens.
Discuss books & other media that showcase queer voices & experiences. Ages 13–18. Sponsored by the Sonoma County Library. Tuesdays. 4 p.m. Registration required: events. sonomalibrary.org/event/4746258. Contact: teenpride@sonomalibrary.org.
Wednesday 2 FREE Transition to Co-Parenting.
Online series of classes hosted by the Child Parent Institute. Learn tools & strategies for supporting children’s emotions & learn tips for overcoming communication difficulties & unresolved conflicts with former partners. Mondays & Wednesdays. June 2–14. 5:30–7 p.m. Register: tinyurl. com/5wryzwvb.
Thursday 3 FREE Child Parent Institute Online Autism Support Group. Meets third
Thursday of the month. 9:30–11 a.m. Register: calparents.org. 872-7242.
Friday 4 Drive-in Movie: Little Rascals. $25 per car. Food available for purchase. Gates: 7:15 p.m. Movie: 8:30 p.m. Park & Ride Lot on the corner of Hwy. 116 & Old Redwood Hwy. (across from Peet’s Coffee), Cotati. cotati.recdesk.com. My Hero. Live, in-person musical
theater, in honor of medical professionals & essential workers. Audience will watch the performance 26 SonomaFamilyLife
from their cars. $59–$129. Select tickets will be free to frontline healthcare workers. Gates: 6:30 p.m. Movie: 8:30 p.m. June 4–6: Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. June 11–13 & 18–20: B. R. Cohn Winery. 15000 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen. Tickets: transcendencetheatre.org.
Saturday 5 FREE Beyond the Rainbow Drive-Thru Annual Pride Parade.
Kid-friendly. Suggested donation: $5. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Graton Resort & Casino. 288 Golf Course Dr. W., Rohnert Park. Register for a time slot at eventbrite. com (search on event name) or see tinyurl.com/sc283kdt. Carpool Cinemas. Luther Burbank Center parking lot has been transformed into a drive-in movie theater. Social distancing rules in place. June 5: Wonder Women. June 19: Men in Black. $35–$40 per car. Gates: 7:30 p.m. Movie: 9 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets: lutherburbankcenter.org/ carpool-cinemas. FREE Common Ground Support Groups. For parents of children with
special needs. Facilitator will provide support & education on a variety of topics. Meet outside; COVID-19 guidelines followed. Moms Group: June 5, 10:30 a.m. Riverfront Regional Park. 7821 Eastside Rd., Healdsburg. Siblings Group (for kids ages 7 & older who have a sibling with special needs):
June 25 (see website for time & place). commongroundsociety.org. Lavender Daze. Walk lavender labyrinth & visit geese, ducks & chickens. Runs thru July 3. $10 per car. Saturdays. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Bees N Blooms. 3883 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa. Registration required: beesnblooms.com. FREE Rohnert Park Farmers’ Market. 4–7 p.m. Rohnert Park Library. North Parking Lot. 500 City Center Dr., Rohnert Park. rpcity.org.
Tuesday 8 FREE Summer Take & Make Craft Kits. Available on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Limit one per child. For ages 5 & older. Available for curbside pick-up at all 14 branch locations. See sonomacounty. libcal.com for hours/locations.
Wednesday 9 FREE Smart Cycling Workshop.
Online class for adults & teens. Learn basic rules of the road, how to equip a bike, properly fit a helmet, avoid bike theft, ride after dark, and prevent common crashes. 6–7:30 p.m. Register: bikesonoma.org/ family-bike-workshops.
Saturday 12 Kayaking with the Dragons of Sonoma County. Paddle & a
discussion about dragonflies. Kayaks, paddles, safety gear & instruction provided. $25. Parking: $7 or free for Regional Parks members. 9–11 a.m.
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Spring Lake Regional Park. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/yysv2kx9. Summer at the Drive-In. Hairspray.
Cars: $30–$35. Walk-ins: $15. Students: $5. 8:40 p.m. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds. 1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale. Tickets: avfilmsociety.org/ events-and-tickets. Night Sky Trails. Robert Ferguson Observatory docent gives laser-guided tour of the constellations to small groups. $5–$10. Ages 11 & younger: free. Parking: $10. Masking & social distancing required. 9:30–11 p.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. Reservations required (no tickets at door): rfo.simpletix.com.
Thursday 17
OUR HVAC SAVINGS WILL KEEP YOU COOL THIS SUMMER!
FREE Movie Night at the Park. First
outdoor movie night at the Forestville Youth Park. Burgers, popcorn & soda available for purchase. Gates: 7:30 p.m. Movie: 8:30 p.m. Go to facebook.com/ forestvilleyouthpark to vote for film to be screened: Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Goonies, or Jurassic Park. Mirabel Rd., Forestville.
Saturday 19 FREE Restring Fundraiser for Dogwood Animal Rescue. Get a six-string electric or acoustic guitar restrung with a new set of Ernie Ball strings. $10. Adoptable pets on site. 1–4 p.m. Loud & Clear. 7886 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. facebook.com/ LoudAndClearAV. Bubbly Birthday Bash. Help
celebrate the anniversary of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Blow bubbles of all shapes. www.sonomafamilylife.com
Save
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on a HVAC system, purchases over $1,500.
CALL TODAY!
888-915-0142
*Not valid on prior sales. May not be combined with any other promotional offer. Products not available in all areas. Trade Licenses for Transform SR Home Improvement Products LLC (in certain states d/b/a Sears Home Improvement Products) at https://transformhomepro.com/license/ Offer Subject to change without notice. Offer Expires 7/31/2021. Sears Home Services is a TransformCo business. This is an advertisement. TransformCo shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions in pricing. TransformCo reserves the right to make adjustments to pricing and products offerings for reasons including but not limited to changing market conditions. ©2021 Transform SR Brands LLC, PO Box 522290, Longwood, FL 32752-9963. All Rights Reserved
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$9–$12. Babies 0–11 months & members: free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. Reservations: cmosc.org/visit.
MISSION PLAZA
BABY’S 1ST HAIRCUT? WE WANT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU! $4 off 1st Haircut Package (Reg. $26.95)
FREE Summer Solstice Walk.
Appointment required. Good until July 15, 2021. Valid only at Santa Rosa, CA salon. Must mention offer at checkout.
Participants will learn about the solstice & be invited to tune in to the different sounds of evening animals. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Park. 13630 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. Registration required: tinyurl.com/267ve4ah.
Corner of Hwy. 12 & Mission Blvd. 56 Mission Circle Ste. B • Santa Rosa (707) 791-8511 HaircutsAreFun.com/MissionPlaza-CA
Discover How Much Fun A Haircut Can Be!
DOES YOUR CHILD KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
Sunday 20
Lessons offered at Finley Aquatic Center & Ridgway Swim Center
Father’s Day at the Museum. Free
admission for fathers. All others: $5–$12. Ages 3 & younger: free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.
Register now:
SantaRosaRec.com 707-543-3737
Father’s Day Wine Tasting. 11 a.m.–5
p.m. Larson Family Winery. 23355 Millerick Rd., Sonoma. Reservations: larsonfamilywinery.com.
Thursday 24
HOME OF
B Mî `ƒ
FREE Long-Distance Love: Brahms & Beethoven. Virtual, pre-recorded
concert + Zoom reception with festival musicians. 6 p.m. RSVP: valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org.
Saturday 26 FREE Fort Bragg Quilt Show.
MOVE-IN SPECIAL CALL FOR DETAILS 6001 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park
707-588-8878
28 SonomaFamilyLife
EXPRESSWAY SELF STORAGE Mention this ad for:
50% off for the first 12 months
Outdoor event. Quilts will be displayed on both sides of the fence of the Veterans Memorial Building. Quilts, raffle tickets & crafts for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Corner Laurel & Harrison Streets, Fort Bragg. oceanwavequilters. com/fort-bragg-quilt-show.
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Cider Tasting in the Barn or Orchard RESERVE A TABLE Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
We’re excited to welcome you to California’s first-ever Cider Tasting Orchard! Enjoy cider in its purest form, right where the apples grow and the cider is made, while you relax in the shade of 100-year-old apple trees. There’s fresh air, blue skies, and plenty of social distancing here for you. DOGS WELCOME
www.gowansheirloomcider.com
707-205-1545 • (1/2 mile north of Gowans Oaktree) Highway 128, Philo
Humor Break “Mom you have to lay down and relax,” my older daughter instructed. I leaned back onto the floating craft, nervous about what might happen next. Then the arguing began. “No, this way. I want to go this way,” my younger daughter asserted. My older daughter ignored her and went in the exact opposite direction. “You are going the wrong way,” the younger insisted, her voice piercing my ear.
The Relaxa 100 Why “Family Vacation” Is an Oxymoron By Cheryl Maguire
I
t used to be easy to relax. All I needed was to be near a body of water with a towel and my Sony Walkman. As a mom to three children, this scenario is no longer possible. So to reclaim some sanity I booked a family vacation to a tropical paradise. I spent weeks dreaming of the trip. Anytime I felt stressed, I would envision myself basking in the sun with my music. Ah, hope springs eternal. When the day finally arrived, I was determined to unwind. The kids wanted to go to the hotel pool, so I grabbed three towels to make sure my deck chair was properly cushioned. No laundry for a week! I took two more. I carefully positioned all five towels on the chair. And then the moment finally came: I lay down, closed my 30 SonomaFamilyLife
eyes, and let the sun cover me like a warm blanket. Then something blocked those glorious rays. Was it a cloud? Wet drops hit my arm. Was it rain? No, but there was a storm brewing. Some might even say a hurricane. My children were hovering next to me, dripping pool water all over my five towels and me. “Do you want to ride on the Relaxa 100? You relax on the raft while we push you around!” my daughters chimed in unison. Panic set in. Please don’t ask me to go into the pool. I don’t want to get wet. “Please.” Their eyes stayed glued to me. It was clear I was either going to have to try out the Relaxa or be dripped on for an undetermined amount of time.
Water splashed on my face as she forcefully attempted to steer the sinking ship, I mean raft. “I thought this was called the Relaxa 100. There is nothing relaxing about this!” My voice grew loud. “We need to show her the other side of the pool,” the older pressed. “Does it really matter which side we go to?” I asked, trying to defuse the situation. “No, this side is better over here.” The younger would not give in. “Whatever, this is boring,” the older huffed before swimming away. For maybe one minute I floated, sun pouring over me, a cool breeze the only sound. Then my vessel jerked and twisted as the younger tired to drag it to the pool’s edge. Splash! I was completely submerged. At least I don’t have to wash all those towels. ¶ Find Cheryl Maguire on Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.
June 2021 www.sonomafamilylife.com
Classified Marketplace
Sonoma Valley Regional Park
Camps
Camps
COVID LEARNING LOSS IS REAL…
The Longest of Days
So much learning was erased. We can help bring it back this summer!
S
ince winter solstice, the days have grown longer, lending us more and more light as spring has turned into summer. June 20 marks the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. And the Sonoma Valley Regional Park in Glen Ellen will be celebrating the event with a Summer Solstice Walk on June 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the solstice and be invited to tune in to the different sounds of evening animals. The event is free but registration is required. Sign up at parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov or at tinyurl.com/267ve4ah. ¶
2021 SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES JUNE 14–JULY 16 OPEN TO ALL! AGES 6-14 30+ classes and camps!
Hogwarts | KidVets! | Edible Science | Art In-Person and Online Options
RINCON VALLEY EDUCATION FOUNDATION http://rvef.org/enrichmentclasses.html
Childcare/Preschools YMCA Early Education Center SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER ROAD
Parties
Part Time /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving Infant-5 years PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
Health & Nutrition, Motor Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive Development PRICING & REGISTRATION: 707.544.1829 www.scfymca.org
The Sonoma County Family YMCA is an inclusive, charitable organization that enriches community through the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
Co-Parenting 101
T
o say divorce isn’t easy is a serious understatement. And when there are kids involved, it becomes even thornier. Enter Transition to Co-Parenting, a free Child Parent Institute class that aims to help moms and dads traverse the unknown waters of co-parenting. Participants will learn tools and strategies for supporting their children’s emotions and building social support. They will also learn tips for overcoming communication difficulties and unresolved conflicts with their former partners. The workshop will be held over four evenings, on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 2–14, 5:30–7 p.m. Register at calparents.org or at tinyurl.com/5wryzwvb. ¶
www.sonomafamilylife.com
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