Lake Powell

Lake Powell is one of the most magical places on earth.  It has a quiet serenity, yet there's laughing and playing whenever you want it.  We went with Todd (Terrence's brother) and his wife Cecily, Ty (another brother) and Jen and their family, along with Grandma Susan and Lane.  It was a cousin fest!!

 It was the perfect day to hike Sandhill, overcast and the sand was cool.   To Sam's delight Kameron piggybacked her part way.  It's the closest thing to the beach I've seen in Utah and I went back on the waverunner whenever I got the chance.

On the way back from Sandhill Terrence spotted this rock just barely poking out in the middle of the lake.  The skies were overcast and the water clear so we all bailed out and went on an itty, bitty island retreat.  As Terrence pulled away on the boat we all had a good laugh that maybe this was a trick to get rid of us and was he really coming back?

The water weenie is always a hit.  While it can be brutal at times, once you get on nobody ever wants to get off.  The "over forty's" had a nice princess ride but there was still some dumpage.  No black eyes this year though!!  There were a few fatalities however, Kinsey and Cec lost towels, Jen and I lost sunglasses, and Terrence's razor all slipped to the bottom of the lake.

Everyone was so good to each other.  Sabrina was good to take riders on the waverunner.  Conner and Dillon and Brooke and Sierra stuck together like glue!  Brooke trying her hair skills out on Aunt Jen... who fed us so well with her wonderful cooking and all the other chefs.  The food was scrumptious!

Terrence and I used to go to Lake Powell with his family back when we were the age of some of these kid's.  It's amazing to see the next generation come and create memories of their own that bond them together.  We're so grateful to Todd and Cecily and their generosity.  Thanks for making this possible- it's one of our favorite things.

I love this picture of Kirstie.  It captures what a deep and deliberate thinker she is.  She's also a great wakeboarder!!  Watching her I couldn't help but think about Kacey who we missed so much on this trip.  (She stayed back and worked her summer job for college money this time.)  Ouch!! What's a mother to do??

We got up early in the morning to go to Rainbow Bridge.  We were there by 8:00 a.m. and were the only ones on the trail.  

The water was nice and for the end of July it was surprisingly pleasant and not too scorching.  Watch out below!

Just of few of the things I was grateful for:   Kolton hangin' with these guys.  They left thinking he's pretty cool.  Uncle Ty for keeping everyone safe.  Aunt Cec for nurturing the little ones.  Uncle Todd for driving and driving and driving and driving, and making this trip happen.  Kirstie for going with me on a walkabout.  Kameron and Janzyn for sharing their adorable Beau and being such cute parents.  Terrence for driving, pulling, cooking, cleaning, parenting, taking us, and just for marrying me.

All the kids jumped into clean the ski boat with Terrence and Ty at the helm.

Talk about the ultimate sleepover.  The comfy beds were made by aunt Jen and a night under the stars is usually magical, unless, a little mouse shows up and all these sleepy heads jolt into action:)

These bathing beauties stayed squeaky clean.  I don't think I've ever seen so much shampoo action in my whole life!

Goodbye Lake Powell, You're AWESOME!!