Lake Powell

I must admit, on the evening of Labor Day when Nate found out that we were invited to Lake Powell for the following week, I wasn't excited. There was a couple of reasons, that I felt were very valid. 1) we just started school 2) Jax had been telling us for a year that he was not going to miss school in 5th grade. He wanted perfect attendance to get a bike. 3) my back 4) a house boat with people that I don't know??? Up until thursday morning, we were thinking that Nate was just going to go and take MyLeigh and Jordan. by that evening, we were all going. We left Sunday morning and drove to St. George. Then drove to Antelope marina on Monday morning. I shouldn't say that I didn't know anyone that was going to be there. We went with a group from Nate's work, so that meant that our neighbors, the Weirs were with us. We were also able to meet the Owner of TUR and his family and the Jensons from Vernal UT and Misty came along too. I met her in the first couple of weeks that Nate started working with this company. I have always really liked her. So, 28 people on a house boat for a week? I wasn't to sure how this was going to be. Within an hour of being there, I had a good feeling that it was going to be a great week. This picture was at the end of the week, when were are docking and loaded up to go back to the cars. This guy really didn't want to have to make another trip back down. He loaded us ALL in. What you can't see is all the luggage,blankets,pillows and food that is in the cart behind us.

Mady loved playing on the beach and stayed far away from her Dad, who might get her into the water.

I didn't see much of the kids during the week. They had their swimming suits on before breakfast and were in the water before their last bite was swallowed. Speaking of kids, they all got along so well and made wonderful new friends. This is J with Grant.

I LOVE this Picture!

While I spent most of my days, on the top deck of the boat with a book in my hands, or visiting with some fabelous women, these guys were out proving that they can play as hard as they work. Let me tell you, they work HARD.

This is Mike telling Nate that he better not bail off when they start going. The truth is, Mike had already thrown Nate off a jet ski and Nate was hurting. He is still babying a Rib.

I can't help but wonder, why in all the pictures I have of these guys on the tube, Mike is the only one ever smiling. Trust me, I have lots of pictures.

I asked MyLeigh when she came in from her ride if she was scared. She told me no. I think this picturse tells us otherwise.

MyLeigh, Meg and Madison

On Thursday, I got brave and went on the boat. We were going to Rainbow bridge. I felt bad cause I knew some of the kids were wanting to jump the wakes of other boats, but because I was there, Spencer was trying to be careful. Here group our is, eating lunch at the dock. There was lots of carp swimming around. Some of the kids were tempting the fish to nibble their toes. Gross!

Mady screamed and screamed on the boat, she finally feel asleep. Thank goodness.

"Aunt Misty" took Mady on the way back and she did much better.

Morgan, doing her best to help us get through the 500, yes 500 otter pops that Nate brought with us.

Jax, about to jump from the second level deck

When dinners were over, depending on the weather, the kids headed back to the water. Most the adults would shower and clean up. We would play games, visit or just hang out. I loved that you weren't made to feel bad with whatever you chose to do. We had a blast playing the "name game" and....oh goodness, I forgot what it was called! It was the funniest game ever. uh oh. But I will never hear an owl the same way again! :) Ok, the game was called Snorta. It is Hilariouos! (we googled :adult game that requires animal sounds...brave, I know.)

Nate and Clay

Nicole and Sushelle

What else did we do? EAT! We ate 3 big meals everyday. What I also loved? You were in charge of a meal. Which meant, you prepared, served and cleaned it up. 3 meals for the whole week. I was so impressed that it didn't matter if it was your turn or not, someone extra was always helping. Everyone was willing to help everyone else. I really enjoyed watching the husbands pitching in to help.

Ally and her Root Beer Float

This kid cracked me up! Everytime there were Tomatoes out he wanted a big plate of them with salt and pepper. His name is Jaxon too, J referred to him as "Little Bro"

Pulling up to Rainbow Bridge

A couple of years ago, I sat on my front step in tears. My world had just been turned upside down. I remember being on the phone with my Mom and her telling me, "It just means there is something better out there for Nate". Those words echo in my head alot. I am so thankful Nate has a job that he loves. A job that allows him to rub shoulders with some very wonderful men. Men who have high expectation, men who have high standards, men who treat their wives with the upmost respect and love their children with their whole hearts and men who know how to have fun. I witnessed that this last week. I was grateful I was able to witness them in their everyday lives and see how blessed we are to be surrounded by them.

I can't begin to express how glad I am that we went on this trip. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. We got on the boat with strangers and left the boat with wonderful, amazing friends. I was so amazed how everyone melded together and got along. I have already told Nate that I hope we have the opportunity to go again one day. Just cause I really want to go and have the opportunity to Play!

Scenery pictures never look as good as in real life. But it helps you remember!