Slideshow of our trip to NM...

Trip to NM - October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Here is the video of Kai on his bungie ride. Sorry it's sideways...try not to get a strain in your neck.

Bungie ride at NM Ballon Fiesta 2009 - Kai from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Videos of the White Sands sledding, too!

White Sands with Alaina - Kade sledding October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

White Sands sledding October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Mt. Shasta

Well, every once in a while I miss the area I grew up in. Really, I miss the feeling this area has. It's hard to explain. In an attempt to do so, I borrowed some photos a few friends have taken - and hope this conveys the feeling I feel.

The music I used is from the CD Kade bought at the market last Saturday. We enjoyed his music while Kade ate his ice cream. His name is Nathan Welden.

Mt Shasta in pictures from Beachbum on Vimeo.

We have been busy living life to it's fullest. I'll get back to blogging soon...maybe!

Jane

I think of my cousin, Jane, every time I see these birds of paradise. So, in honor of Jane, here is her favorite flower.



I took many pictures of them...as well as a few other flowers around our place. Flo had posted something that showed a beautiful bloom. Being close to nature is very important to me. Thought I'd share it with those of you who may wish to see...

***I don't know why it's playing so fast. If you click play again, it will play at normal speed.

A touch of nature from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Space

OK, so this is a great resource...and I love space!!! Here is a movie on how they now think the moon was created. Too cool. Kai really enjoyed this one, too.

For other space fans out there, you can get the APOD - the Astronomy Picture Of the Day...

Or you can check out this site...like Kai is on now!

Let's see

how well you can do at these. Jeff found the first one. The boys have been playing them, so it's been fun to see if we can do it all as a family!

First we'll start out with the basics (for those of us in the US). Go here and play - then come back to try the rest.

Or, if you are feeling braver and think you know your geography try THIS.

Then if you're brave, try to put all the capitals in the right place HERE.

OK, so now you know how well you remember the classes you took. Now let's really test your knowledge, but still be somewhat safe by doing THIS puzzle.

Then if you really want to see how the face of Africa has changed in your lifetime, try THIS. Kai just finished playing this as I type and was just 428 miles off.

OK, so it has been fun showing the kids how much we don't know! And it's been equally fun becoming more aware of it all.

Wish there were more of these puzzles and I honestly hope they make one for every continent. Maybe we can place penguins on Antartica!

On another note, Kai wanted to watch the History Channel with me tonight. We watched the show they have on the 2004 tsunami. I kept checking in with him, but he wanted to watch. If you don't already know, this type of disaster is one thing Kai and I end up talking about a lot. Really, a lot. Yet, he wants to have more information. He is definitely a 'more information is better' kind of guy. So I will, I'm sure, have many more opportunities to discuss this. Overall, it was really well done.

Dams to be coming down...

At least the steps have been taken to start the process. You can read more about it HERE and HERE.

Here is a site where you can learn more, too. American Rivers: Thriving by Nature. This site has great pictures.

This has been a topic of much debate over the last 30 years...and there are good points on both sides. However, my leaning is with nature. We have taken for granted how mother earth cleanses herself and renews herself. We have taken our quest for control - a natural modern human response - and tested it in all aspects of our world. Now it is time we matured as a species and listened to the whispers that are humming when we are still long enough to listen.

May this issue be resolved in the quickest, most healthy way possible.

I will miss the terrain I remember exploring when I was a child. Yet...yet I truly look forward to exploring the way the terrain was naturally intended to be...in all it's awesomeness.