Lake Powell

Lake Powell vacation this year was just like every year...took forever to arrive, and went by way too fast.  More food than we could try to eat (except for Trent), incredible weather (felt good to be outside and pleasant inside, but really cold water), great canyon rides, I hear the hike was memorable, and lots of good company. This time we had the whole family with their significant others. Steph, Court and I brought our big, strong men which made for some better anchor diggers than Dad has been accustomed to. It only took him about 15 years to get 'reliable' help other than a couple of teenage daughters who just don't dig anchor holes like the male counterparts. 

The Nitta family joined us for the first half of the week, then we had a guy come on boat who was "all jacked up on mountain dew" the whole week, as well as Court and Jared. This mountain dew man had the greatest bed head I have ever seen. No one has yet to come close to rival Scott's hair in the morning.....on second thought, maybe there is some truth behind what he kept telling us about his mountain dew...he must have had one too many the night before...

Us and the Nitta family 

Our neighbors spent a good piece of the first day digging and laying out this slide. Water and soap helped get down the first part, but just don't go down the second bit on your stomach...it rubbed a couple of boys raw on the chest. 

G-ma letting B take a closer look at the cool water slide.

Swimming. However, I think this was about the only time B was in the water the entire week because the water was sooooo cold.

Even Dad thought the water was so cold that he was contemplating whether to swim back in that frigid water or have someone come pick him up in a jetski. 

But, when the pregnant lady swam over bringing Maddy and B on the tube, he knew there was no way he was getting a ride back...

Instead, I got a free ride back!! Thanks guys!

Jet ski rides. Court was so nice to take B on a seadoo ride.  (This is the same rock that earlier in the week Dad was laying on just 3 pictures above. Within 4-5 days this 'island' that we could easily fit the whole crew on was just a submerged chunk of sandstone). 

Hiking. Sunday was such a nice day, so most of the family decided to take a nice, leisurely stroll up to the top of this sandstone peak.

Since Ash had sandals that would slip on the standstone and I had a very large pregnant belly, we were not allowed to join the others at the top. Dad said something like, "One slip climbing up here and you'll kill your baby"   How could I go against that? It was still alot of fun just walking over to the peak and being with everybody. Dad brought a couple of water bottles to make sure everyone stayed hydrated. 

Paradise

Sight seeing. What are they looking at that is so interesting? 

Oh, I see.... that is interesting...

Boys on a rock island that only lasted for about another day before it too was completely under water.

Girls hanging out on the back deck supervising the tube inflation. 

John playing with the music, B "driving" the houseboat...doing what they both do best.

B trying to chill like his G-ma. 

On their way to a swim/hike in Labyrinth canyon. Once into Labyrinth as far as the jetskiis and boats can go, they all got out and swam for 15 minutes in the slot canyons (sometimes turning sideways just to get around the bends) and walking for a short bit to the waterfalls. There were waterfalls at the end, right? 

Trent and B feeding the fish. This was Court's favorite pastime on the boat. Next time we need to probably bring more bread. Mostly little fish, some carp and trout.

B's favorite pastime was watering the sand. 

And anyone else that came by. I think B was a little upset that his Dad was taking so long to get ready to take him on a jet ski ride. 

Finally!! Is that so much to ask? I don't need much...just some time at the wheel.

Trent was trying to pick up B's sand toys, but got blasted instead. 

And little B wouldn't let up. Just extended the hands for further distance and followed Trent as he tried to get out of range.

Synchronized Diving. Great form John and Trent!

Tri-houseboat water balloon fight. Maddy and Pearce snuck onto Ladd's houseboat while they were preoccupied with launching balloons at the other houseboat and soaked them pretty good with waterguns. We cheered for our stealth fighter and laughed as Ladd couldn't get rid of her.

Grandpa and G-ma are such excellent hosts...they seem to genuinely enjoy watching others have a good time. 

A few more shots.  

Love the sky in this one...and that little boy gazing into the distance (while trying to keep his pants up).

Maddy splashing water at Brenden and he was loving every minute.

"Whoa! Guys, slow down! My legs are a 1/2 of your size"

Thanks to Grandpa giving B a free ride most of the hike, B's feet were only somewhat rubbed raw on the heels (I thought all Teva's were made equal, guess not). 

The kid loved being 'outside', near the water, throwing rocks. One content dude.




The Happy Hiking Crew ( -- John in background and me taking picture). Can't beat that weather.   


Another synchronized diving shot. 

Our little guard. Armed and alert. Must be on his 'good side' to enter the houseboat. Just ask Trent and John. 

Found a victim. I think he enjoyed this newfound power between his hands. It only took him a few minutes one afternoon to figure out how to wrap his little thumbs around the nozzle and squeeze with all his might. 

Watching some 'toons' during lunchtime. When Grandpa got up to replenish his chips or get a drink, B followed him into the kitchen, watched him carefully to make sure he was coming back into the front room, and once Grandpa sat down, B resumed his favorite position.

By the end of this trip, not even Maddy had an edge on his attention....it was all reserved for his Grandpa. 

Can't wait to do it all again next year.....