Lake Powell Reunion

For Fall Break this year, Dan's parents surprised us all by getting a week on their houseboat in Lake Powell. Lake Powell has been an annual tradition in their family since they were little. But, the last three years has been a little rough for all of us, so we haven't gone in that time. But we were all thrilled with the opportunity to go back again. Dan's brother's family drove up from Texas to be there, so the whole family could be together. It was a truly perfect week. And we were all grateful to Wayne and Jody for making it happen!

Happy Birthday Quincy!

Quincy had her third birthday while we were in Lake Powell. At first I was worried that she would miss the splendor of a traditional party with big gifts, a fancy cake, etc. But wait a minute, she at a beach with all of her cousins and having tube rides to her heart's content! It doesn't get any better than that! She absolutely loved the tube. She giggled the whole time and just kept saying, "This is so silly!" The picture below captures one of life's truly priceless moments.

More Lake Powell

Lake Powell in October is really wonderful. We were worried about the cold, but it was really pleasant. In fact, it was nice not being sweltering hot and sweating in your sleep! The days were warm, the nights were cool, and the water was tolerable.

This trip is magical for the kids. Because we haven't been for three years, it was Fisher and Quincy's first trip. They were in heaven, along with all the other kids. We packed 10 adults and 15 kids on to a houseboat. The quarters were a little tight and the bathrooms get a little stinky, but there is something magical about secluding your family away from the world for a week.

Because it got dark so much quicker than in the summer, we had a lot more time to spend on the boat in the evenings. One of our evening activities was decorating Halloween sugar cookies. Those are a lot of happy, sunburned kids!

Scrumptious Sand

We found a beach with the most deliciously fabulous sand. We spent endless hours building, digging, and burying in it! As you can see, the whole family pitched in to dig a series of pools, dams, and passageways. Very exciting stuff.

Learning to Ski

I've got to say the Rosses have perfected the art of teaching kids to ski. They invested in little kids skis that are roped together. Then they have one person holding them steady in the shallow water and another holding the rope and skis straight. They can't fail! Taylor and Loryn both got up when they were 3 and 4 years old and I'm sure Fisher could have had he be willing to try!

Ladies of Leisure

The mommies play lifeguard while the kiddies build sandcastles and splash in the water.

Ooga Booga

Lest you wonder by these pictures if we have taken part in a cult activity, Ooga Booga is a family initiation tradition that the Rosses have had for years. Every time we go to Lake Powell, we light a fire on the rocks and induct the children who have come "of age." While the rites do include chanting and dancing, they also include a whoopie cushion. So, don't worry, there's nothing too heathen about this!