Best Aquariums in the U.S.

Long time no speak! I’ve had a crazy few months – girls in school, girls home schooled, one girl in, one girl out. I think the public school system wants to kill me. For now, both girls are in school and both are happy, so I’m happy. PHEW. The only thing now, is that I really miss them! I miss planning field trips and hanging out with other homeschool moms (and a few dads) and their kids who we’ve become so close with. So I’ve made a point of staying involved in the homeschool community and of still taking the girls on mini fieldtrips on Sundays and after school.

Last year we were all into zoos, and this year it seems like aquariums have stepped up to bat.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California
• John G. Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, Illinois
• National Aquarium – Baltimore, Maryland
• Sea World – Orlando, Florida
• Sea World – San Diego, California
• Sea World – San Antonio, Texas
• Oregon Coast Aquarium – Newport, Oregon
• The Florida Aquarium – Tampa Bay, Florida
• Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach, California
• Dallas World Aquarium – Dallas, Texas
• New York Aquarium – Brooklyn, New York
• New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts
• Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
• Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

(Thank you Forbestraveler.com for the list!)

Enjoy these and have a whale of a time! (Katie just saw that and rolled her eyes.)

Dog-Friendly Ski Resorts in California

I know ski season is over, but I just came across this great resource that lists pet-friendly ski resorts by state. And since I myself have needed a list like this, I thought I’d share. First, from the website, www.petswelcome.com:
“Okay, you’re probably thinking that dogs and cats aren’t meant for skiing. But neither are people. And that doesn’t stop us. So why not take your pet along? When you’re on the mountain you probably spend a lot of time with your nose in the snow anyway, right? Dogs appreciate this. They’ll think you suddenly got some sense and will begin treating you with a renewed respect. They might not even chew on your crutches. So take advantage of this bonding opportunity and hit the slopes with your favorite animal ASAP!”
So, you probably can’t go ASAP, but when you get a chance, here’s where to go:

• Alpine Meadows Ski Resort – Lake Tahoe, California
• Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort – San Bernardino, California
• Boreal Ski Area – Soda Springs, California
• Heavenly Ski Resort – South Lake Tahoe, California
• Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – Bishop, California
• Northstar at Tahoe Ski Resort – Truckee, California
• Royal Gorge X-Country Ski Area – Reno, California
• Snow Summit Ski Resort – Big Bear Lake, California
• Squaw Valley Ski Resort – Olympic Valley, California
• Sugar Bowl Ski Area – Sacramento, California

There’s nothing like sharing a day on the slopes with your dog. One of life’s great pleasures.