Richard finally got COVID - and we are in Oregon

Our son Thorin appeared to have an unremarkable  cold when we left town on Tuesday, then called on Thursday (July 4) to let us know that he had tested positive. Richard had been coughing a lot - uh oh. Sure enough, his COVID test line lit up within SECONDS, even before the control line.   I made an unsuccessful attempt to contact his doctor back home to get Paxlovid prescribed, but Richard is actually doing fine without it. A little hoarse and sniffly and sleeping a lot, but hardly seems sick. My test was negative on the Fourth, but I wasn't feeling so well last night and plan to test again today. Probably puts the kibosh on today's tentative plans for OMSI (Science Museum). 

Other than that, and the heat wave, it's been a great trip so far. The kids loved the toys and "new" computer I brought them and we had a WONDERFUL day at the local amusement park on July 3. After sleeping most of the day, Richard felt well enough to set off some little fireworks for the kids on the 4th, which sent them into delirious excitement. We didn't have any big plans for the trip anyway.  *sigh*

Welp, I guess we’re not going to OMSI

Perfect day at Oaks Park

> July 3 was an oasis of spectacular weather between heat waves, which seemed like the perfect time to check out Milwaukie’s venerable amusement park. Astoundingly, the place was practically empty, apparently because it was Fourth of July weekend. (!!!)
>
> Lena just found out this year that she has been living 5 miles from a full service ride park since she was a baby and NOBODY TOLD HER! It turns out to be a small, funky park with a terrific kiddie ride section and just a few big scary rides for the teenagers. Perfect for a 9-year-old and 2 fours.
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> But of course the twins are temperamentally polar opposites, so Amber ended up taking Lena and Leo on every single ride that 44” will get you onto while I gently coaxed Harris from riding the Merry Go Round repeatedly in the chariot seat to eventually mastering every kiddie driving ride. The park was so empty that he could literally ride the same ride over and over with no waiting, which is exactly how he gets comfortable with something new.


 

The small roller coaster was in the kiddie area, but nothing to sneeze at. I thought it looked too scary so Leo RODE IT ALONE before hooking up with Amber and Lena to ride it repeatedly.




We finished up with a relaxing round of mini golf in a shady riverside park filled with water features.