Lake Powell 2011

God was so intentional when He created the Earth, and not only intentional but extravagantly beautiful. I have had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places, and I am always in awe of God's creativity. Now I do think God gave Montanans something extra special, so I may be a little partial and spoiled by God's beauty. But the rock sculptures and the exceptionally blue waters of Lake Powell were incredible!

This trip is high on the list of my favorite vacations. My mom, dad, both sisters and our most wonderful friends, Mike and Siama and their family all went. You'd think twelve people on one houseboat would be a recipe for disaster, but it was wonderful. We all really enjoyed spending time together without any distractions, and no schedules. There was lots of hiking, boating, swimming and sitting in the sun reading. Really, does it get any better than that?!

"Decorating" the campfire area.

Ave & Nana

The girls sunning their legs.

You can't tell by that face but Gray loved this game!

Man time.

Graysen & Auntie Miss

Graysen using his golf club for a guitar, yeah, he's that awesome!

Campfire time

Me & my sis!

Auntie Mandy & Gray

Ave's first tube ride (and a great pic of my bottom, thanks Ben)

Me & Ave

Heading to Rainbow Arch

It was beautiful!

Graysen missed out on the arch, he napped instead.

Ave

Getting up there was easy, getting down was another story!

Mom & Amanda

The boy's rockin' air guitar style

Gray's sweet jelly stash!

Graysen and Papa

Decorating for Miss's birthday party

Melissa's excellent surprised face!

Yep, we're that cool!

Lookin' good!

Back at the hotel, exhausted!

Summer's Finally Here!

We are now well into summer and enjoying every bit of it! But before I begin to share all the fun adventures we have had, here are a few pictures of Ave's end of school performance.

Ave & one of her teachers, Mrs. Twitchell

Santa Barbara and Caity!

Oh, my friend Caity, well we have been friends since Kindergarten days when we were inseparable. It amazes me we have been able to live so close and have been able to see each other here and there! And no matter how long it has been, we always start where we left off, catch up and laugh at old times. She is the description of a true friend.

Well, Cait is leaving for Europe for part of the summer, so we decided to meet up in Santa Barbara before she leaves LA. We first headed to the Botanic Gardens, which were beautiful. The kids enjoyed getting out and running around, despite the fact we walked out of the house without Graysen's shoes. Oh well, I guess that flies when your one and a half. After that we enjoyed a great dinner on State Street, and before heading home, we stopped and let the kids burn off some energy at a beautiful park right by the beach.

Okay, so this is a terrible picture, but just for the record...

Despite what they may say, the Botanic Gardens are not "stroller friendly".

But what a man, right?? Not to mention, Gray thought this was AWESOME.