Lake Powell II

Court and Jared and our little family all arrived within an hour of each other, so Dad picked us up...but didn't load the masculine baby life vest. Jace doesn't approve of this color on him either....

leaving Antelope Point marina after a long, long drive


Dad's friend buzzing us in his helicopter. We raced too. We won. If you're part of some govt watchdog group, I was only kidding. This is a Photoshopped picture of just some generic helicopter.

Capt'n B. He was very alert. He spotted a boat on the other side of the lake that I had to search for. He will tell me to watch out for cars when I'm driving and not to crash into them. I can only hope that type of observance sticks in the next 12+ years.


Several of us all tried out the kayak. Currently, Jared runs as King of the kayak...but not for long...

Ash thought she could do as well, so she switched Jared for a run.



She would've been safer on the jetski.


Play it safe...bring a 2 year old with you. Tipping is prohibited with kids under 4. It's in the rule book.


This thing was awesome for some sun soaking and baby water play without getting too wet or too hot. Just enough water to keep you cool (until the boys swim over and play 'Vote you off the Island' and everyone gets a little more wet than just their ankles).

2 more girls (Mom and Kyleigh) and we would've had every girl out on the back deck/island.

Trent is good to play with K Mae out on the island too. This may have been her favorite water experience. She took awhile to warm up to the full body in water stuff. Maybe if she ate more of those cheetos I give her instead of just hold them in her hands, she would enjoy it with more body fat.

Trent also helping with that last bit....adding more body fat. Hot dogs will help.

He didn't really fight naps on this trip. He doesn't usually take naps, but when there is alot of activity and sun, the kid gets tired, so he will voluntarily climb on bed and have books read to him till he dozes off.

Working on the body fat again...  This was breakfast. It has eggs, flour, milk.....

Maddy has a really cool Batman blanket. Matches her Batman cell phone cover, Batman shirts...she only needs a Batman backpack and lunchbox to take to high school with her to match the rest of her stuff.

Kyleigh enjoyed this.

The boys testing out a few fireworks. They had to make sure there weren't some duds before the big production.

Steph and I supervised a bit.

These guys could use a little supervision with all that stock. After our show, a couple people from around the cove came over and either thanked us for the show or asked where we got our fireworks. Someone tried Colorado. They needed to run over to the Indian Reservation north of Vegas, Pahrump.

And if lighting the fireworks and Roman candles in the air or on the beach wasn't enough...someone had the bright idea to try shooting them at the boys in the water from the 2nd deck of the houseboat.

Grandma was a good shot.

We found and caught wildlife while exploring on the beach. And surprisingly, Brenden didn't hesitate to touch the little guy. (He usually shies away from all foreign creatures...large or small).

No bud, it's not a monkey.

Torture from Uncle John.

Payback time.


Hehehe, funny face (and hair).

Took a trip to Dangling Rope to grab some ice cream with the Gilbert clan.

Our fine Captain.

Like most babies...she feel asleep on the ride.

Early mornings consisted of bringing the awake babies to find Papa on the 3rd deck. 

She looks exactly like Courtney here.

 This is how he usually watches tv. Locked in and smiling during the good parts.

 Lockness monster came over for a visit. He wanted some cheese balls.

Brenden wanted to grab some gnarly air. (He probably got better air with Uncle John).

Kyleigh, who is usually my fearless one, wanted a slow and steady ride. 

 We took our family photo on a rock this year.

 


Cannons, Kings, Noas, Sorensens

 After the picture, on the way back to the houseboat, our photographer sprayed us good with his jetski.

 Our photographer, Ladd.

 Soaked.

 Doing the dude thing with the fireworks. I think this was the first year he got to watch some.

Pretty little sister and her husband 

Dad is right, those ain't hot dogs!

We hiked up Face Canyon. It was an easy, short, shaded hike. Perfect for families. (Trent, take notice. No more 4 hour 'family friendly' hikes).

Love these slot canyons.

Ended in this dropoff bowl area. Really nifty.

Kyleigh was a good little hiker (for the small bit she actually walked).
Trent must have sat down to put his shoes on...

On the way back, we had a change of command. And this new captain liked spinning circles.

 Some people learn to drive a car or tractor at a young age. In this family, you learn to drive a boat.

 Uh oh, something is lurking in the water....

Abby did so well on her first tube ride.

Kyleigh must have eaten 1 too many hot dogs...

 We had plenty of tube rides. Alot of fun for riders and spectators alike.

 King of the kayak, King of the tube....

 Was that an open invitation for Papa Bruce ?? Watch out...

Not lookin so 'Kingly' now....   :)

 Nice jump, Jared.

 Nice tuck n roll, Trent.

3 men in a tub. or tube.

Girls turn. Maddy going for the jump.

Maddy: weeeee
Ash: ahhhhh

Dad playing...I mean working to clear out the junk collecting at the side of the houseboat.

Sweet baby Abby had her first birthday celebration with the family on the houseboat. Happy 1st of many more to come!!!!

 Happy Brenden


Tired, cranky, throw him into bed, QUICK! Brenden

Innocent of any and all charges. Could you blame anything on this face? Don't be so cruel.

 Or this face? Handsome kid. You'll be reading about Green Bay committing him with letter of intent...while in Elementary school.

Every year, a stop at Houston's for lunch/dinner is tradition. On the way to the houseboat is when Dad cleans them out of their mile high pies.

Wonder if she really brings the crowds in.

PS-Jace is a closet Yankee fan. Just don't tell his father. He might scream, run over and rip the cap right off the poor unsuspecting kid.