Third Annual Water Gun Fight

While it isn’t easy for folks to clear away their busy summer schedules, there seems to be a core number of us who would do anything to spend an afternoon running around the park like a maniac with no regard for what everyone else must think of us. The water guns, battleground maneuvers, and all around badassery (or as badass as it gets while wielding a weapon made of plastic) just gets better and better every year.

I was, once again, more active on the battlefield than ever — but all that came to a screeching halt when I was stung by bees twice on the same foot. Granted, it was 100% my fault for not wearing shoes despite the obvious presence of one thousand bees in the park, but can you blame a girl for wanting to run around barefoot in the grass on a sunny day in Portland? The funny thing is, I probably wouldn’t’ve gotten half these action shots had I not been felled in battle. It’s almost like the Universe was trying to tell me, “Have fun, but not TOO much fun. You have a job to do!” It’s just as well — I’m no less happy behind the camera than I am behind a water gun, and I’m glad we have another spread of photos to help us look back on this growing tradition.

This year we welcomed a few new additions to the summer shenanigans, and those from previous years who couldn’t make it were missed. Thanks to all who helped make this year a wet ‘n’ wild one, plus special thanks to General Enns for pointing out that we failed to get one big group shot in previous years.

Good hunting, soldiers!