As promised; the riveting sequel...
We left the hotel around 8am which was much too late for Josh who got up before all of us to go running (he's one of those people that are so perfect it's actually annoying).
We took the old highway to Multnomah Falls because there are tons of waterfalls and other great places to stop all along the way (My Mom and I had taken the boys along this same old highway back in 2002 - here's the layout).
I know that looks unsafe...but it wasn't.
A very rare sighting of me (thanks Josh Downs).
And a flower for Yannie's mama.
This is a lookout building along the highway.
It was really windy up there.
A tree climbing stop.
The stress of seeing everyone up in the tree sent Annie into a neck pinching frenzy (her stress reducer/relaxation method).
Courtney Lee didn't move from that spot the entire time (she's a little bit of a fraidy-cat).
One of the falls along the way.
The problem with all of the stops along the way was that Josh was not content to just check out the falls from the closest vantage point. Josh is (of course) all about getting to the source of the falls which would be fine...except for those three whiny kids.
I even said "Hey Josh, if we're going to expect these kids to hike all the way to the top of Multnomah Falls (which was our final destination) it might not be a good idea to wear them out so early in the day."
Josh's response? "Ya, you're probably right...let's just go a little bit further."
Coley ended up with a blister before 10am hence the bare feet.
More falls.
Managed to find a couple of band-aids (one for Coley's blister and another one for Courtney Lee).
And finally...Multnomah Falls. (See the top? No, not the bridge, the very top...that's where we hiked to.)
In addition to his irrational issues with play structures and girls running downhill (because they aren't 'sure-footed' enough), Josh also has irrational issues with the kids being near any location with more than a 3ft. drop-off on either side, so there was lots of (sweaty) hand-holding along with lots of whining on our trek to the top of the falls (and Annie's still pinching her neck).
And every time the girls tried to run, he would holler at them to stop because he was afraid they weren't 'sure-footed' enough and were going to fall. I told him that he was being overprotective/ridiculous and that he was going to raise a bunch of sissy-girls if he didn't lighten up.
So Josh and I were cranky with eachother.
And seeing a few really cute women in full make-up, summer dresses and strappy sandals come walking down the trail while I was sweating like a little piggy, dragging my sausage legs and my kids with me, didn't improve my mood.
A much needed break (Courtney Lee was taking a cell phone break).
This one managed to talk her Dad into carrying her almost the entire hike.
And that's what it looked like at the top...right before we walked back down.
Josh filled up our water bottle with water from the creek for the hike back down (because drinking creek water is safe...but playing on a slide without a helmet is not).
And shortly before this fake smile, Courtney Lee took off running down the hill and as Josh started to holler for her to stop running, I shot him off a glance that interrupted him mid-holler.
And it all just kind of happened in a slow-motion-Murphy's-Law-sort-of-a-way...
She started to pick up some speed, her hands started flailing around a bit to try to slow herself down and the next thing you know, she was on her face with a cloud of dust all around her. I took off after her, dropped to the ground and pulled her onto my lap to check out the damage (a couple of skinned up knees, elbows and palms).
Josh didn't even say "I told you so" (because he's so perfect, it's actually annoying).
And an icecream from the snack shop before we headed home.
you seriously crack me up....you know what i love about you?? your post wasnt all fake about how beautiful it all was (which it was i am sure) and how awesome it was to spend time together (which it was i am sure also) but the fact that you always keep it real karen russell.....and someday your kids will read this and remember and somehow remember ALL of it being fun....even miss courtney lee with her skinned knees and elbows and this story will make them laugh and laugh and laugh....
i know it made me laugh and laugh and laugh :) love you!
Posted by: Tanya Webster | September 18, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I love your story telling! Felt like I was there! We need to make a trek up there and do that hike. We only drive by on the highway! Looking forward to part 3!
Posted by: Addie | September 18, 2008 at 11:03 AM
These last two posts have been cracking me up!!! I love how you keep it real, crankiness, neck pinching, and all. You have given me such a good picture of what your excursion was like that I almost feel as if I was there myself.
Thanks for the laughs.
Posted by: Brenda | September 18, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Just had to come out of my lurking status to say how much I LOVE your photos! You have such an amazing way of telling a story through your images. BEAUTIFUL work!!
Posted by: Shari Barnes | September 18, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I live with one of those "hike all the way to the top" guys. It's so feel for ya! And I got my Workshop binder today! Thanks!
Aaron
Posted by: AaronB | September 18, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Nanny pinching her neck is the cutest thing ever.
Your pics are amazing... per the usual.
:)
Posted by: anne | September 18, 2008 at 12:35 PM
nanny= annie... oops!
Posted by: anne | September 18, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I'd not heard of Multnomah Falls before, then this week read about it on your blog and in the William P Young book "The Shack" (have you read it? Loving it - all about God's love).
Can't believe Josh made you get up at 4am to go on vacation in your own state!
LOL at the photo of Courtney Lee with the phone.
And how CUTE is COley in your Multnomah Falls layout from back in 2003. :wub:
Posted by: Heather (in Scotland) | September 18, 2008 at 12:37 PM
you need to write a book - you just have such a way with words (and the pictures help too)! love the bandaid shot! :)
Posted by: jenny | September 18, 2008 at 01:01 PM
I can totally sympathize with living with "one of those people that are so perfect it's actually annoying". That cracked me up.
Posted by: Tracy | September 18, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Oh my goodness, this is so funny! Probably because I can relate to a lot of the husband, wife, kid stuff and the part about the women in make-up, sun dresses and full make up was almost too much! I've been there, it sucks!
Posted by: kristan martin | September 18, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Ah, the joys of family vacation! Fun story, great pictures as usual. I think my favorite is the one with Coley & Courtney in the tree and Annie pinching her neck. The light in the leaves is really cool and kind of magical.Although I love the look on C's face with the band-aid. Have a great day!
Posted by: Gina | September 18, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Lovely story Karen, & just so typical of a day with kids, its great that it is all recorded like this.
Posted by: Leonie - Australia | September 18, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Reading this made me feel like I was walking along side of you! You need to write a book. I've never heard of this place but then again, I've only been to Oregon once.
Posted by: Cheryl | September 18, 2008 at 02:15 PM
I'm soo dying here! I think your DH & mine are long lost brothers......
Posted by: VickiF | September 18, 2008 at 02:18 PM
You crack me up Karen.. sounds like some of our family trips!!! Love the shot of Courtney in the tree.. so sweet
Posted by: Teresa B | September 18, 2008 at 02:25 PM
can the girly-girls and i come next time...
you guys look like too much fun!
i promise i won't let them run down hills.
Posted by: jen | September 18, 2008 at 02:30 PM
So if Josh let the girls run down the hills wouldn't they get more sure footed?? Just a thought. Thanks for taking use with you on your outing. It's just like being there.One of these days I am going to make it to Multnomah Falls. Lived in Oregon for the last 14 years and haven't made it there yet. Maybe there is a challenge to everyone who reads your blog, go somewhere in your state, county, or town that you have always said you wanted to go but never have.
Posted by: Tanya Andersson | September 18, 2008 at 02:52 PM
so funny!!! love your picture scrapbook!!
Posted by: Kim H. | September 18, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Cute story. Josh does sound pretty perfect, except for one very big issue, he's a Beaver. Go Ducks!
Posted by: Judy Grubbs | September 18, 2008 at 03:12 PM
just LOVE your storytelling...
Posted by: ann | September 18, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I absolutely LOVE the pic of Courtney in the tree. Looks like it's straight out of a magazine.
Thanks for taking us along on your vacation.
Posted by: Mary Ann | September 18, 2008 at 05:58 PM
What fun are hills if you can't run down and lose control? Oy! Imagine them when the driver's license comes, first dates, sports, etc...
Good luck Karen! ;)
Posted by: Sharon | September 18, 2008 at 06:04 PM
"It's All Good" Karen!
That's the one of the funniest stories so far--besides falling twice in a day.
I'm almost "peeing my pants" here reading this stuff!
Those perfectly coiffed girls in their cute sundresses and sandals probably have really CRAPPY pictures of their daytrip!
Ha.
(BTW, you look really cute in that picture--and skinny!)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | September 18, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I had to stop myself from laughing out loud at your animated and very real story telling, coz I will definitely wake my 14-month son who's just gone to nap. Thanks for keeping it real. Yuo will be happy to know that this pair of sausage legs won't even make it halfway up the hill...
Posted by: Kim | September 18, 2008 at 07:14 PM
You look FABULOUS in that photo Karen!
Murphy's law... don't you hate it! But I have to tell you I laughed reading this... somehow knew where it was heading ;) hehe great story to scrapbook though!!!
xo
Posted by: jenn | September 18, 2008 at 07:18 PM
SO funny! I love to hear about your family's adventures! I can totally relate! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | September 18, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Karen, I have really enjoyed this little two part series, I agree with the others, I adore how you tell it like it is... makes my little annoyances with those I oh-so-love not so... different. Thank you for sharing your life experiences, beautiful photos and wonderful commentary. You make my day.
Posted by: Dawn | September 18, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Karen,
You are such a doll! After a long day at work, I look forward to coming home and reading your blog. You have a gift at truly capturing the moment, both in pictures and words.
Posted by: Deanna--from the current photography class | September 18, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Oh my gosh, Karen, you are so freakin' hilarious! Thanks for making me smile with your anecdotes of your every-day life. Keep them coming!
Posted by: Birute | September 18, 2008 at 07:39 PM
You soooooooooooo crack me up!!! I needed that laugh today! Thanks girl!
Posted by: KT | September 18, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Don't you just hate it when something happens just as you're telling someone to stop because it might happen ... now you'll never be able to stop Josh telling the kids to stop running.
Thanks for the great story.
Posted by: Susan L (lily40au) | September 18, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I was laughing out so loud! I love your candid storytelling and honesty when it comes to your kids. I had to read a few parts aloud to my sister and we were both laughing 'till we almost couldn't breathe!
Posted by: Alicia | September 19, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Karen I love your pictures & stories and check your blog first thing to see what is going on in your life. I agree that you need to write a book! I love all the little things you mention: Yannie pinching her neck, the no running (I'm just like Josh on this one -sorry but I worry in advance about what could happen, oy!), your sausage leg issues (you are skinny and look great so I don't believe you! : P) etc. Keep those great pics & stories coming!
Posted by: Jacki | September 19, 2008 at 06:01 AM
P.S. Karen - how on earth do you get your children to look so natural in pictures? My kids look at me when I try to be non-chalant and give me goofy grins or stiff looking poses. Your kids seem to just go about their fun and let you do what you do. Any tips?
Posted by: Jacki | September 19, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Karen- I so enjoy reading your posts, laughing along and visually joining you in your journeys. Your photography stops me dead in my tracks. I look and then look again at your beautiful photos. The scenery is stunning but it is pales in comparison to the beauty you capture within your children. I so need to take a class with you. Perhaps I will get that chance someday ....
Maybe you can let me in on how you frame your photos....I love the angles, how the people are straight but the horizon line moves... they are fabulous! I love when my google reader brings up a new entry from you! Thanks for sharing your life with us !
Posted by: Carol | September 19, 2008 at 06:55 AM
it's so funny because your pictures look like the "picture perfect day" but then you tell it like it really is.....I love that. Because it reminds me of when my 3 were young and whinning and fighting everywhere we went! hahaha....keep it real Karen!!
Posted by: Nina | September 19, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Beautiful pictures. I could almost feel the cool air on my face!
Do I need to come up there and kick Josh's butt. Girls not sure footed. Oh please. :)
Posted by: Carrie T | September 19, 2008 at 07:53 AM
You always keep it real.. LOVE it. Felt like I was there (as always). Thanks for not sugar-coating things and leaving in the squabbling & disagreements & the mishaps. Makes me feel normal.
And hey... you look fantastic in that picture!
And don't forget to tell us the story about the scar on your foot.
Posted by: Colleen | September 19, 2008 at 09:42 AM
I can't believe I'm FINALLY leaving you a comment! Hope you'll see it and read it among the TONS you get! What prompted me finally? For giving me a laugh AGAIN. And seeing the photos of Courtney Lee... I bank online with WA Mutual... and the photo on their main(?) site has a pix of a girl... looks exactly like her! Is it her??? And who the heck am I? I actually took a class with you IN it.. back a few years ago, with Karen Burniston in Gresham, OR. I can't hear too well (cochlear), and can be [shy] in public. I teach Scrap classes at the local Craft Warehouse too! Thanks for your beautiful photos and your amazing, fun, hip BLOG!
Posted by: Danella | September 19, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Oh I needed that laugh, thank you. We did this hike last year and my husband is much like your josh downs....perfect and annoying....except he's a duck.....I was SO bored on this hike. zig.....zag....zig....zag....They could at least put an ice cream stand at the top. :)
Posted by: kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | September 19, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Karen, you NEVER FAIL to drag out all the emotions from me when I read your posts! I just fall straight in to the happiness, joys, frustrations, laughter, and sadness when you blog! And hey, who cares if that test says your blog's of elementary writing level? It's the understanding that matters! And lots of deep meanings and things like ironies are brought out perfectly with elementary school english! =)
Posted by: Michele L | September 19, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Beautiful photos of your kids in the tree! love it love it love it. always good stuff here :)
Posted by: jennifer | October 01, 2008 at 12:05 PM