A Really Tall Waterfall

Somehow after living in Oregon as long as Luis and I have, neither of us had ever hiked up to the top of Multnomah Falls.  As we had no real plans for the weekend, this seemed like as good a time as any.  And the kids were up to the challenge so this morning we hopped into the car and down the Gorge we drove.

Artsy shot #1.

Artsy shot #2.

Artsy shot #3.

So much for scenery.  Now it's time to climb up those 11 switchbacks!

We saw these fawns on our way up.  It looks as though they still need to grow into their ears.

Finally...the top.  The waterfall looks like a just little trickle from up here.  It's a long way down though.

The kids and I proving we made it all the way up.  Yes, we are sweaty.

Artsy shot #4.  This is just above the big drop.

The kids cooling themselves in the stream just above the falls.

Hiker dude.

Luis and Siena climbing the uphill before we get to go downhill.  Nevermind if that's confusing...

Artsy shot #5.

Oh, finally a downhill!

A little break near the bottom.

It was a fun walk and we got done before the crowds descended.  We spent the rest of the weekend at home handing out at home and it was wonderful.

Just a Bunch of Animals

After a week of summer camps, swimming with the cousins, and swimming lessons, more summer fun was still just around the corner.  Luis made zoo plans with some coworkers and the kids and I were in!

First we had to check out some bears.  It's not the zoo without a big black bear...

Some sibling love.  And a brief break at a bench.  We zooed for 4 hours...standing and walking almost the whole time.  We were tired Cruzes by the end of the afternoon.

Luis takes the smell test.

Mason measuring up with an eagle.

More sibling fun posing in front of fake fish.

Ribbit.

We got to see baby Lili!  She was getting some motherly love from Mama Rose-Tu.

We loved watching little Lili.

No trip to the zoo is complete without some snacks.  Mason, Luis, and I enjoyed some elephant ears.  Siena went for a snow cone that was the same color as her eyes!

Mason climbing around.

More climbing around.

Siena may have enjoyed looking at the pink flamingos but not so much the smell.

It's a boy.

Measuring up to some bears.

Got Coke?

Measuring up to some monkey's.

Despite complaints of being tired by this point in the zoo, the kids were all energy when they found the jungle gym.

After the zoo, we had a nice dinner at Gustav's and relaxed at home.

Today was a beautiful day.  I got to spend a couple of hours on the Waverunner on the river while Luis took the kids to pick out a new Harry Potter video game.  It was his prize for 3 weeks of good sleeping (this is a big accomplishment).  Today was also the annual Fairoaks Neighborhood Block Party which we always enjoy.

We didn't have too much time to get decked out for the parade but Siena put in a good appearance regardless.

Mason decided to skateboard in the parade this year for the first time.

Siena parading.

Meow!

Luis and I defended our water balloon toss title again this year.  Here's an action shot!  (Photo courtesy of Siena)

Cooling off in the wading pool with fellow Riverside schoolmates Rose and Claire.

Dragon boy.

Ice cream to top off the wonderful food!

We're all a little worn out after two days of non-stop action in the sun.  It's sure to be a busy week with soccer starting and quarter end but it's sure to go fast.