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.

Our Summer So Far

It's been a busy summer so far and unfortunately it hasn't left much Sunday evening time for blogging. I'll try to do a bit of a catch up this week.  Some of the pictures were on my phone and due to technical difficulties, I'm having trouble getting them downloaded.  If they ever make it, I'll add them to a later blog.

A couple of weeks ago, Mason and Luis went Junior's family to the Timbers game!  Mason and cousins were all dressed in proper Timbers swag, complete with Mason's new Timbers jersey.

Goooaaalllll!  And the crowd goes wild!!

The Timbers got the shut out win.  They've been having a good season this year and even I've gotten into it.

While the boys were out watching soccer, Siena and I had a girls afternoon.  We rented the Katy Perry movie, bought some candy and settled in.  I think we all had fun.

After several years of declining health, my wonderful Grandpa Art passed away on July 3.  While not unexpected, it was still sad for us all.  His passing brought back wonderful memories of time spent with him. He was a man of incredible character and work ethic.  He loved his family very much.  He will be missed.

 

The Torland family 4th of July picnic was the day after Grandpa passed.  We went, along with my parents, and saw a lot of the extended Torland family relatives.  I had considered not going given Grandpa's passing, but realized that it would have made him happy if we went.  After the picnic, we went up to my parents and lit off some fireworks with the kids.  It was nice to spend time together as a family and do something fun.

The next day we had originally planned to go down to the coast for the long weekend but it was the day of the memorial service.  My dad and his sisters planned a wonderful service.  They did all of the speaking (no pastor or officiant) which I thought was nice.  My dad made a great video, which didn't go easily.

After the service, the family went over to Joanne's so the kids could swim and we could all visit and relax.  Cousin Travis was wonderful playing with all the kids in the pool.  And the kids absolutely LOVED it!

The 4 of us went straight from Joanne's to the beach that night, arriving somewhat late.  And I forgot the camera in a haste to get to the service and pack for the beach.  Hence the reliance on the phone which was a fail.  Anyway, we just did our usual at the beach - breakfast at Spouting Horn, trip down to Newport, etc. The weather was great and the kids and I spent time playing on the beach and wading in the water.

Last night Ellia came for a sleepover with Mason and Siena.  I took the three kids down to our little neighborhood island park to explore in the afternoon.

Siena on a rock.

The three kids crossing the land bridge.  In the winter, this bridge is underwater.

Did I mention this weekend was beautiful too?  Especially in late afternoon on the river.

The kids did some river wading and jumping boat waves.

Trapped in quicksand!!  Or, more accurately, mud.

Ready...go!

Mason after a rock climb.

I finally nabbed a picture of our neighborhood bald eagle nest.  It's near the park.  One of the eagles babies is standing in the nest.  The adult eagle is huge.  It's definitely cool having a bald eagle in the 'hood.

I'm not sure what the rest of the summer will hold but it's certainly been fast paced so far.