Even my Eyeballs are SWEATING!

One Month Later....

Yes, I know it's been a month since I blogged last. The sad part is that I've had lots to blog about the last few weeks and I just haven't done it. It's time to redeem my blogging status.

Best Father's Day Gift
Dads are always the hardest to buy for. It's probably because they want the same thing every year: nothing. This year, though, we gave Toren's dad the best give ANYONE could ask for:

The tag is upside down, but you get idea. I can't say I've seen a happier father that I did this year. To make thing easier for Baxter, we're going to keep taking care of him at our house. We don't want to confuse the little guy.

Shakespearean Festival
My mom came down for a visit the last week of June. While she was here we wanted to do something fun and exciting -- something we wouldn't otherwise do on our own. So, we went to down to Ashland to experience the Shakespearean Festival. We had SO much fun. Of course we had to spend a little time at the Medford mall shopping, getting pedicures, and soaking up some 90-degree rays (how could we consider it a girls vacation if we didn't?).

We watched to plays at the festival: Much Ado About Nothing and Henry VII. They were both very good, but we were a little lost during the first 20 minutes while our ears adjusted to Shakespeare's writing style.

We also had a fun time walking around Ashland, visiting the quaint shops and admiring the hippies way of life. Thanks Mom for the fun mini-vacation!!

Sitting in the Elizabethan stage.

Forth of July
The fourth of July is 2nd favorite holiday (just behind Christmas, of course). There's just something magical about warm-weather BBQs, hanging out in camping chairs, and watching an colorful firework show. This year our Fourth of July meant eating out for dinner (I'm not really complaining about that one) and running from man-made bombs. Not exactly Magical. I'll let the pictures give you a glimpse at our evening.

He looks a little to excited to light that bomb.

We did watch the neighbors' fireworks and we set off a few non bombs of our own.

Baxter loved the fireworks, too. I think he's actually just depressed because I wouldn't let him off his leash.

Kalen with Rock-A-Bye-Baby. Our Grand Finale.

The Grand Finale. Thanks, Kalen, for keeping the 4th of July magic alive!

Farewell Sweet Mustache

The mustache has been shaved...finally.

Here's a final look for your viewing pleasure:

Good Riddance.

The 'Stache

It's true...Toren's growing a mustache.

Toren and the guys he works with all thought it would be really cool if they all grew mustaches.  The truth:  they all look ridiculous.  

I'll let you be the judge though (cast your vote in the poll!).

Memorial Day!

We had a blast on Memorial Day. The weather was fabulous and it was a rare occasion where neither Toren nor I had to get up early for work (though I did have to work that evening). We spent the whole day outside with the family.

By 10 am Baxter was already suffering from heat exhaustion. That's what happens when you run nonstop at 80 mph. He loves being outside though.

Toren probably threw the tennis ball about 100 times before Baxter showed even a hit of fatigue.

We had some fierce badminton duels, and (for the record) the girls dominated on the court. Badminton skill and endurance must be inherent for women.

Scoutmaster Toren even dazzled us with some fine dutch oven cooking.

Pineapple upside down cake!

Though we didn't do anything too glamorous (aside from the badminton, of course), it was fun to be outside and laughing with family. Plus, a delicious BBQ always makes for a pretty spectacular day.

OMSI and the Zoo

I know, I know. I've been a bad blogger lately.  I actually have had a lot to blog about the last few weeks, but I just haven't had time to do it.  Lucky for you, I have time now.

A couple weeks ago my sister, Laura, and brother, John, rode the train from Seattle down to visit us.  It was great because it gave Toren and I an excuse to get out and do things that we've wanted to do for a while: OMSI and the Oregon Zoo.

OMSI is a hands-on science center (short for Oregon Museum of Science & Industry...I think).  It was pretty fun, though we all agreed that it didn't even compare to the Seattle Science Center.   

Laura and I put on a puppet show.

Prepping for work in the Chemistry lab.

Learning about static electricity.

Posing in front of the heat-sensored camera.

That Saturday we went to the Oregon Zoo.  It was a PERFECT day to be walking around.  Unfortunately, several of the exhibits were under construction and off-limits for us to see.  We still had a great time, though.  Our favorite parts was probably watching the orangutan groom himself.  It was one of those disgusting things that you just can't help but stare at!

The Evolution of Math

My friend sent me this email the other day that I think pretty much captures how teaching math has evolved in the last 50 years... Plus, it's hilarious.

Teaching Math In 1950s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

Teaching Math In 1960s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 1990s

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's OK. )

Teaching Math In 2009

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?