Lake Powell

Two weeks before school started we planned one last boating with Shaun and his family. We had never been to Lake Powell (except for Bill many years ago) and have always wanted to go since we got our boat! Shaun and Mistee had been several times so we were extra glad to go with some veterans. We camped off the beach in Bullfrog. I loved the drive down since we were able to go through Capital Reef - my happy place as I refer to it. I have always loved the red rock mountains and Lake Powell was nothing but.

Our first day was hot. Hot. HOT. We played in the water most of the time. It was 78 degrees so it was amazing! Shaun took us to a cave and we swam in there every day of our trip. We loved it! Stella especially. She's my mermaid. Such a water-baby! The kids chased each other around in the water, put wet sand all over their bodies, snorkeled, and loved every minute of it! Our running joke throughout the trip was "What time is it?" We'd all guess and it was always so much earlier than we thought it felt. Don't get me wrong, it's great when time goes by slow while on vacation, but this felt ridiculously slow at times!

Friday morning was stormy. We woke up to lightning in the mountains behind us which then turned to all around us! We huddled under the canopy and watched how awesome it looked! I tried to get some really good pictures but was never fast enough. Grrrr. It cleared up for a few minutes so we did a little skiing, fishing and swimming. Of course as we got back to make dinner a huge wind storm came and got into EVERYTHING. It took Shaun approximately 2 hours to cook their pork chops! We all gathered into our barely 4 man tent to play some cards and complain. Shaun's tent blew down and Makayla's was on the verge.

Saturday was beautiful! Perfect weather. We spent most of the day driving down Moki Canyon. It was incredible!! I loved it so much! Incredibly tall red and white mountains. I kept thinking how much I wish my grandpa were there to see it. He would be thrilled. Bill and Shaun cliff dived, we fished some more (still no fish to this point) and more swimming. We all enjoyed some yummy ice cream from the dock. Tristan caught the first fish and Bill caught a teeny tiny fish that night. It wasn't what he expected the fishing to be, but when you're somewhere as beautiful as Powell what's not to like. The day was absolutely perfect!

Sunday we cleaned up, packed up, loaded up, and headed on our very long journey home after a bit of knee boarding. Tristan got up and was even showing off (shocker, I know) by doing it one-handed. No hands at first when the handle was still attached. Stella didn't get up but liked being pulled around on it. Now for the pictures. Lots and lots of them. You've been warned!

Robbins Cabin Trip

Last weekend we all went to the cabin for a few days. We had a great time fishing at Gooseberry. All of the kids had a chance to catch a fish. Stella claimed she wanted to touch one until she actually saw it. Then she refused. It was a nice little get-away that many of us needed. We did miss Jason who was home alone with strep and loads of homework. Yuck! I had fun and I hope everyone else did as well.

Camping at Strawberry

A couple of weeks ago we went camping at Strawberry. We were crazy enough to give camping another try! Luckily, this time we didn't have any breakdowns (on my side or Tristan's)! The kids had a lot of fun and were pretty well behaved the whole weekend. They enjoyed playing in the dirt and making a mess of themselves. Isn't that what you're suppose to do? Make a mess?? We attempted a few fishing trips, but didn't have any success. Each time we got out there and got our fishing lines ready to go, the wind would pick up and the water got choppy. Overall we had a good time and loved getting away for even just a few days! We love to be in the mountains and wish we could do it more often. At least Bill got in some target practice for hunting and I didn't have to do my home duties for a few days.

Summer Lovin' Had Me A Blast!

I'm already updating my blog and it's only been one month! Can you believe it? I have to admit I am not a fan of summer time, it's too hot! However, we have been trying to make the most of it while it's here. Last weekend we escaped to Moon Lake. I had never been there before, so when Bart and Melissa invited us to tag along with their family we jumped at the chance. It was really beautiful! For the most part our camping trip was a success.

Stella had so much fun going on buggy rides with Kaden and his grandpa. We also attempted several fishing trips. After the first time we decided it best to leave the dogs at camp. Not such a good idea! We did all the fun things that come along with camping: s'mores, a short hike, fishing, a trip on the fishing boat, and pigging out. Stella's favorite thing though was throwing rocks in the lake. Go figure! Tristan, poor little guy, was a little bit clumsy. He biffed it on several occasions and managed to land himself a giant goose-egg on his forehead our first night there! He seemed to enjoy himself and loved playing in the dirt. Nap time and bedtime were quite stressful. He is at an age that is hard for him to fall asleep anywhere other than his crib. Needless to say, we ended up coming home a day early. We are hoping our next trip will be a little easier.

It's strange to think that now I am the mom taking my family camping and trying to entertain my kids. It doesn't seem too long ago when I was the kid needing to be entertained. Jason and Suzanne (with kids in tow) joined us Friday night. I was so glad they were able to make it even if it was just for a night. Jason and I were in complete awe as we stared at the stars. It has a way of making someone feel very small. All in all we had a wonderful time and are thankful to the Eichelbergers for letting us tag along and for their hospitality. We can't wait to do it again. Right Melissa?!

On the home front, Bill has almost completed our basement! He has installed the flooring, lighting and molding. We can't wait to have the extra room, and have a cool place to hang out in the summer. I can't believe he has done all of this on his own! I am really proud of him. Last week he took a week off work. He decided it was time for some much needed R&R.

As for me, I am staying busy keeping up with my two little ones. They manage to always keep me on my toes. Tristan is at such a fun age. He is starting to talk more and figure things out. I love the one year to three year time frame. Stella is still my angel, however these past few months she is starting to really test her limits and our patience. I have to say, four is not my favorite age so far! I hear it only gets worse. Oh well. At least her cute moments and priceless expressions save her.

Cabin Fever

OK, I know I haven't updated my blog in forever. So I have lots of catching up to do! This was back in March. We decided we were all in need of a little weekend getaway. We were glad to have the Eichelberger's join us. We had so much fun! Bill and Bart spent most of Saturday fishing and caught several fish. Melissa and I stayed back with the kids and hung out at the cabin. After several hours hanging out in the cabin we decided to go outside and "make some memories." The picture of Melissa and I we joke about because it looks like an engagement picture. I love the picture of Stella's big cheeks. The helmet really accentuates them. And Tristan looks so happy. He LOVES to be outside. He cries now anytime I take him back inside. We enjoy going to the cabin, and it's always more fun when we have friends and family there with us. We are grateful to have the Eichelberger's as wonderful neighbors and friends!