Picnic in the Park and Boys in Waterfall

Yesterday was our annual volunteer appreciation picnic for the Friends of Multnomah Falls held in Guy W. Talbot State Park below Latourell Falls.  Travis and the boys came with us to help us out since grandpa's back is hurting so much.  I'm so glad they came, they had a fantastic time!

I was in the picnic shelter and they found a stump to climb on.

Dayle on the left, my sister Denise on the right and the volunteers enjoying their BBQ burgers and hotdogs along with all the delicious potluck items that were brought by the attendees.  We made a big pot of orange baked beans which are always a big hit and Dayle made some smoked steelhead spread to share.  He mixed flaked fish with cream cheese, fresh dill and fresh cut chives from our pot on the deck.  It was popular, too!

I always organize the group photo and this year Travis took the shots for me.  That was so helpful!

One of our guys always brings two amazing cakes, always the same, it's nice to count on it.. :-)

One chocolate and one light and fruity one.

Travis took the boys on a hike to see the falls.  All of the photos were taken by Travis with his iPhone.

This natural niche is a perfect place for a photo.

They arrive at Latourell Falls.

And being boys.. the water drew them in.

Hayden - see his special shoe from when he broke his little toe?  The doctor has pronounced it healed and he could go to day camp this week.  

Caleb has removed his sandals and is enjoying wading in the cool clear creek.

Hayden is enjoying the water on his good foot.. lol.

And of course they had to explore the whole place.

Notice Caleb has found a stick and Hayden is hoisting a rock?

Denise hiked to the falls too and shared with me this gorgeous photo she got on her iPhone!  Beautiful!

Each year the old Latourell house gets further enveloped in blackberries and deteriorates more.  :-(

Of course on the way home we had to stop at Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint - and to capture an image of Vista House and the Columbia River Gorge.  Washington State to your left, Oregon to the right.

A closer look.

My beloved Vista House.  If you're a new reader, I was the Executive Director and one of the founders of the Friends of Vista House.  I was ED there for 15 years and helped get the restoration of the building started and got the fund-raising gift shop started which currently funds the operation of the building.

The boys saw two Lamborghini cars parked by the VH so Travis stopped and let them take a closer look.  The boys are fascinated with that car and want one when they "grow up".  LOL!  I told them they'll need a good job.

One of our volunteers at MF, Chris, brought several bouquets of flowers from her yard and then asked us all to take one home.  Wasn't that nice of her?  This looks great on our table!

The weather man has told us this week might be record breaking heat, so we're keeping the house cool with our 3 AC units.  I'm off to swim today.  What are your plans?  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)