Saturday, August 1 & Sunday August 2nd

(By Janie)
Saturday, Mette celebrated her 9th birthday. The highlight of her day was probably swimming in the pool. We had it to ourselves for an hour and a half (or so.) We also went to eat out at a restaurant for dinner - Shari's. It's on the order of a Denny's. They treated us very well and handled a family of 11 very well (Mer wasn't with us.) I think over all she had a very good birthday.




Sunday, we attended sacrament meeting close by and then we did a little sight seeing. We went to a Rose Garden in downtown Portland (lots and lots of roses - I guess a test garden?) Then we headed for the Portland temple. Have you ever tried to keep a caravan of two 15 passenger vans, two pick-up trucks and a mini-van together in down town Portland? We didn't make it together, but eventually we all made it to the temple grounds. Unfortunately they were closed. We could look in through the fence and gates, but couldn't go in. (They are doing some remodeling, etc. on the inside and on the grounds too. Even though we couldn't get right up to the temple, it is a very peaceful, quiet, beautiful place.From the temple, we headed East of Portland, back up the Columbia Gorge a bit. We ate at Char Burger right by the Bridge of the Gods. It was very good food, but wow! was it hot in there! They must have been having AC problems or something. The gift shop and bathrooms were cool enough, but other than that it was cooler outside!We made a quick stop to the fish hatchery at Bonneville Dam. There were some sturgeon fish at the hatchery that were fun to see. They are huge! We also made a quick/rushed stop at Multnomah Falls. It was very pretty. (Tourist Tip to self: Do not visit Multnomah Falls on Sunday! It was CRAZY! People everywhere! Too crowded - couldn't really enjoy the beauty - there was no peace and quiet there!)