Speed boating on East Devils Lake- Day 3

Our day started out late as we went in the early morning to a aufruf and breakfast at the shul. The boys were very busy collecting candy and were all junked up for our long trip to the coast. The car ride was a challenge but being that everyone was excited we made it there in one piece. In the end, the excitement on the boys faces going on a super fast motorboat spinning around was worth the aggravation of the trip. The camera broke but I got some flip videos of the euphoria. After we said goodbye to our host, we headed off to the beach for some sand burying of all the kids. This came with a price, as our car got hit by birds and needed a good cleanup. Yehuda wants me to add that he found many cool rocks. From there we went to the docks where they had a BBQ area and we BBQ'd with the kids. They must have been really hungry as Eli had 3 hotdogs and 2 hamburgers (good thing Debra was not there.. BTW she has not yet even read this blog she is making me keep). The trip home was not much fun as everyone was tired and cranky. We played name that tune to help pass the time but it was not without fits from everyone.

Our night was not done as the boys and I got to hang out late into the night at the airport waiting for Debra's plane to arrive. We got back to bed about 1am and back again today.

P.S. I will try to get pictures up today if I can get this camera working at all

Portland- Day 2

With Meira being sick, Chanan and I ventured off with 9 kids for a jam packed day. The boys kicked off the day with a nice davening and learning program and a brief soccer game. From there we headed off to the end of the Oregon trail. Going into this we were concerned that this would not be something for kids. Debra and I were there two years ago and there was not much to do. Due to cut backs they got rid of the show which was from my recollection the only attraction. However, as Yoni pointed out, how can we be in Oregon without going to the Oregon trail. So off we went. It was surprisingly fun. When we got to the welcome center, we decided to have lunch. I went in and warned the staff what they were in for with our group. They were great! They had activities all ready for the kids and it kept them busy for hours. One activity was a test on being a traveler and Yoni insisted on finishing the test as the other kids did not even get to the first question. Once everyone saw his prize for finishing it, everyone had to finish the test. The kids dressed up for pictures and made candles. It was fun!

Next it was off to the Multnomah falls. It took a lot of restraint to keep the kids out of the falls. They went into the water but really wanted to swim. I think the threat of not getting a slurpee and the cold tempeture of the water stopped them. We climbed up to get in back if the falls and that was scary with Ephy running on the mountain with no fear in the world. I consider it a miracle that we don't spend the whole time just looking for him as he is always running away.
From there it was off to Slurpee and a water super soaker fight. I am now trying to get them to shower and to bed before 10pm. Good luck to me.

Summer 2010 Vacation- Day 1

Our plane trip was exhausting but finally we got to Portland. We spent day 1 with Chanan and family. We played in the late afternoon in the sprinklers and we went out to eat in honor of Eli and Ephy's birthday.