I love Labor Day - it's like that last hurrah of summer. So why not spend it outdoors and with your favorite people? That's what we did! My family thought it would be a great idea to all meet at Oaks Park (a local and I guess, still popular) amusement park. Only we couldn't even get close to the park with the crazy traffic and cars backed up farther than anyone can imagine. So when we investigated what was going on and found out there was some "union" event at Oaks Park for the day - we quickly started brainstorming for a plan B. Luckily, my family was stalled in traffic right on Sellwood Bridge and we were admiring all the boats in the water below us. That moment sparked an idea that brought us to a river dock and led us on one crazy and fun adventure. We called and booked tickets for all 24 of us on the Willamette River Jetboat Excursion! They said it was for all ages and family friendly...so we threw life jackets on all the kids, took our seats, snapped a few pictures and we were off on our hour-long adventure.
Notice the sign behind Cole and I. It says - "An exciting adventure with sharp turns and quick stops. You WILL get wet. You MIGHT get soaked." And then a whole list of warnings...family friendly huh? 
The boat ride took us up and down the Willamette river, sometimes at high speeds, spinning 360's and stopping on a dime - and getting wet with every manuever! There were also some slower moments where we learned a little history of the Portland waterway and had a moment for a quick photo ("quick" was key - my camera would have surely been overboard had I had it out during the action). Most of the younger kids were white-knuckled for most of the ride, and Cole pretty much had his head burried into me - refusing to look. It was just so fast and fun, we didn't have time to feel bad for them! It was a Blast!
Papa and Grammy - a little wet, but still smiling. The young kids weren't too sure about the whole thing...but watching their panicked reactions to all the stunts made the ride all the more hilarious!
Luke's just along for the ride - spiked, wet hair and all.
A stop at McCall's waterfront park for a calm moment to admire the Portland skyline and draw attention of park-goers - good marketing!
The whole "wet" gang posed for a picture after the wild excursion. It was truly so fun and we can't wait to do it again next summer when they re-open sessions. Maybe we'll leave the little ones home next time!? Thanks Oaks Park for being too busy - we had a MUCH better time anyways! Next, our group was off to dinner at the Ol Spaghetti Factory to celebrate all the August/September birthdays!
The jetboat excursion kind of represented our summer in a way - fast, furious, and tons of fun. Definitely a good, last Hurrah for a fabulous summer. 
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