January 8, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
CURRENTLY TRAVELING TO:
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

On the Road Again!

Hi there!
Well the time has come again for me to hit the open road and take my first vacation of 2016!

My group of 4 has dwindled down to a group of 2, but we are excited and on our way!!

As you know this is the first time that I'm visiting Death Valley National Park, and I have a list of sights that I'm eager to check out and photograph!

I hope I get some good ones..

I'll be seeing things like:

• Dante's View
  
• Zabriskie Point

• Artists Pallete
• Badwater Basin

• Racetrack Playa
  
• Mesquite Sand Dunes

And maybe I'll even squeeze in:
Natural Bridge Canyon

FUN FACT:

One thing that I hadn't thought about and that is freakin' super interesting is that in Death Valley - at Badwater Basin is the lowest place in the western hemisphere. 
There are 2-3 spots on the salt flats which register -282 feet, (or 282 feet below sea level.) 

BUT...
Now get this.....

This point is only 84.6 miles east-southeast of Mount Whitney, which is the highest point in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet. That is freakin' CRAZY!!!

​So anyhow, and anyhow this trip is sure to be an interesting one!

​I wanna leave you off with 2 things...

1. El Nino has hit and our local mountains are not only snow capped, but they are snow covered!
Check out this picture that was taken by a local resident of Anaheim Hills:

Yup, that's what it looks like where I live.

2. I know that it has been a while but today does happen to be FOODIE FRIDAY and I have a new restaurant review for you to check out!
LET THE SUN SHINE IN AT THE SUN CAFE

I'm gonna sign off now and I'll catch ya back here tomorrow from the lowest point in North America!

Tally Ho,
​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop

Happy Friday!!  Did you make it through the first week of 2016 in good spirits?

I did!  It wasn't as bad as I thought getting back into the swing.  The kids bounced back pretty fast, getting back on the early to bed, early to rise sleep schedule.  They did remarkably well with all of their homework this week as well.  

I have to say, I'm so proud of my girls when it comes to school work.  I never have to remind them about assignments and homework - they are so diligent about their responsibilities.

Now, unfortunately, they still both require hands-on help with the actual work.  But, that's ok.  I have two major projects for which I need to get supplies  and both of which I will need to help build and assemble with each girl.

Machu Picchu, Peru - photo of which we will use to make Gianna"s school project

Ironically, both projects have to do with "travel." 

Kelsey has a book report due that needs to be structured as a travel journal! We were both super excited about this assignment!

As far as Gianna's project is concerned, it's not technically "travel-related" but since she was given the assignment of making a model of a South American architectural structure.

With a little help from mom, we decided on "Machu Picchu."  And why not, her dear cousin, Tanya has visited this ancient and historic location.

So, I'll be heading out to the craft store this weekend to gather all of the supplies for this model.

(credit: www.wildnatureimages.com)

Today also marks the first day of Tanya's first trip of 2016!!  I'm so excited to hear about her departure to Death Valley National Park. 

Death Valley National Park is one of our nation's national parks located in California and Nevada.  

It is situated east of the Sierra Nevada, occupying an interface zone between the arid Great Basin and Mojave deserts in the United States.

I CANNOT wait to see all the great photos my cuz will be snapping away.

I'll be telling you more facts and information about this west-coast national park later in the week!!

Happy weekend!! Back atcha tomorrow!

-E
xoxo