{Lake Powell}

A few weeks ago, actually it was on the Fourth, as we were watching the parade, Derrick's cousin Shelli put her arm around me and told me, " Not this Wed., but the next, we're going on a little trip. You probably want to bring some food, and a swimsuit would be nice, I bet Derrick will hook up the boat and you may want a tent. Nod your head and say yes." I didn't say yes, but I didn't say no either. I did mention that he needed to talk to his boss (his dad) and see about getting work off, but she so sweetly reminded me, that his boss at his "real" job (who may just happen to be her husband) would really like it if we came along. Derrick and I talked about it, but it really wasn't the best time.....there were a lot of cons, we had some things planned not to long after we got back, money, the kids weren't sure, actually one flat out refused to go and the other said he'd go, but not get in the water AT ALL, honestly the timing just wasn't the best. We'd pretty much decided not to go until the Monday before they left when Derrick just announced that we really needed to just do something as a family. It was settled we were going. Well, then he came home for lunch and the car died in front of the house. When he got looking at it, there was antifreeze in the oil.... apparently that's not a good thing. I'll be honest, my stress level went up a bit, but we were still going!

So we loaded up the boat, the Tahoe, the kids and made a quick stop in Richfield for groceries and off we went. I wasn't sure what to expect, and have I mentioned that while I do love the boat, I'm not especially fond of the water? We finally made it to the campground at 10 or so and proceeded to set up out tent in the dark. Did I mention that it was HOT, even at ten pm? Yep, it was!

Derrick caught a pretty big lizard on the bathroom wall, and Kaleb was in heaven..... He officially loved Lake Powell now!
The next morning (Thursday) we unloaded the boats and headed out.

I think this may have been one of the only times all my kids were in our boat at one time, the Richardson family boat became the place to be...... I guess it's more fun to go with someone else, especially the older cousins. Carlie was Shelli Catherine's little shadow, and if she couldn't find her, then she latched on to Andrew or Easton. They were all so good to my kids!

The scenery was BEAUTIFUL! Derrick kept saying that whoever thought to make a lake there was brilliant! It really was amazing!

I have to admit I almost had a heart attack when Derrick pointed out that the depth gauge said 381 feet! A few minutes after I took that picture it said 438!?! Did I mention that I really don't like deep water? I just had to make myself not think about it. One thing I did love.... can you see that the water temperature was 81 fantastically wonderfully warm degrees? Yep, loved that!

That afternoon we hiked up to Rainbow Bridge. It was definitely worth the hike in the heat!

Aren't those some pretty cute kiddos? From there were headed over to Dangling Rope marina. It's a floating marina in the middle of nowhere. There is a little gift shop there, a gas station and a little eatery. We got some more ice for the coolers, and some ice cream! (and I forgot to take a picture).

Friday we went to Forgotten Canyon to check out the Indian Ruins that are built into the cliffs there. ~The Dearden Clan~

We tied up the boats (ours is the one on the upper right hand side,it looks pretty tiny) and then had to swim up the channel you can see, then hike up the mountain a ways. It was definitely worth it. Not only were there ruins impressive, but the view was fantastic!

We spent the rest of the afternoon playing and exploring. Kaleb decided that he'd much rather surf on the tube than ride it the regular way?!? At one point we had a boat full of college age kids following us to watch him and cheering him on. I was cracking up when we heard them yell "GO little dude!"

We also spent some time playing on the cliffs and everyone took at least one turn jumping. Ok, I took one turn (I can say I did it, but it isn't on my list of things I must do again) and everyone else took many, many turns. I was amazed, on our trip to Sand Hollow a month ago, none of the kids even wanted to get in the water, let alone tube, or jump! I don't know what magically changed, but I was proud of them!

All the kids.... Back- Kaleb, Andrew, Brock. Front- Easton, Carlie and Shelli Catherine

I'm not sure why we didn't take a picture of the whole group? Friday night Derrick's cousins Randy and Doug, and his girlfriend Amanda showed up. Joyce and Errol cooked us all dinner and we sat around and visited. George and Shelli brought their snow cone machine and both nights we devoured snow cone after snow cone. I think I would have been happy just to have snow cones for dinner it was so hot!

Saturday we went back out on that lake for just a little bit, and the we finally got Brock on the tube. This picture cracks me up..... how different are my boys? One blonde, one dark, one with the most terrified look on his face, the other loving it?!?!

But we finally got him to smile, and I think he actually was enjoying himself! And of course Kaleb just couldn't ride along, he had to stand up..... silly boy!

Kaleb even decided to kneeboard that afternoon. He had done it a few times last year, but had always started from a sandy beach with help. Well, there weren't any sandy beached around, so he decided to try starting on his stomach and pulling himself up with the boat going, and HE DID IT! I was so proud of him!

That afternoon we loaded up and headed on the long drive home!

SO, 40 gallons of gas for the boat, 48 bottles of water, 12 bags of ice, 2 bottles of sunscreen, lots of hours in the car, and a few minor sunburns (not too bad considering) later........ I can honestly say-

I ♥ Lake Powell!!!

and I can guarantee that won't be our last trip!