Monday, September 27, 2010

Who says you can't go home...


"Who says you can't go home,
these are my streets, the only life I've ever known"...
-Bon Jovi


Chris and I were lucky to be raised at Lake Powell, God's most unique work. Since moving to Colorado several years ago, we haven't been back to PLAY on the lake once! This was a complete change because as a little girl growing up until my adult life, I spent almost every single sunny weekend on this fresh water! I grew up with an extremely adventurous family, who was always seeking some thrill, usually on Lake Powell. I've shared this photo before, but it is a favorite of mine because it brings back those beautiful days of total bliss. This is my Dad and I water skiing together back when I was a teenager.

My Dad and I water skiing when I was a teenager
I have countless memories on Lake Powell that define who I am today and make me grateful for the yesterdays.
But fast forward to today! Our family was extremely blessed with an opportunity to return back to the water this year. It was an incredible vacation. The weather was made-to-order!

Titus excited to be at LAKE POWELL!


The always amazing Rainbow Bridge. Such a treat to take our boys there.




Before leaving on our vacation, the boys and I did some fun activities learning about boats and water safety.
learning about boats and water
We played a fun game to help us remember the sides of the boat: bow, stern, port, and starboard. In this game, Titus is in the middle of the "boat" in our living room and we had markers for the sides. The kids would rush to follow directions on what part of the "boat" they needed to move to.

Titus is ready to win
This was their first time to see a houseboat so I was curious to see how they imagined one looking. They each drew a picture of their image of a houseboat.
Their houseboats

I made them each treat bucket surprises for the trip which included snacks and water toys.


Finally ready to go...

Getting ready to walk down the docks and load up the houseboat!
We spent a few September days on the houseboat swimming, fishing, hiking, gathering around the camfire, and playing on big kid toys. ;)








Chris and Skyler


Then, Skyler with me...(he never got off these things)
Little hikes with our houseboat home nestled below
The boys exploring sandstone
Houseboat slide
Titus
All my boys!











Cozy in their houseboat beds
Searching for shells
Gathering shell collections was one of my favorite things to do on Lake Powell when I was little

Skyler at the camp fire as we sang some Jimmy Buffet with the guitar.
My favorite moment of the vacation was our night swim, using the moon as our lantern. We pushed through the sleeping water, barely breaking the serenity of the calm night. My friend swimming ahead of me said it was like swimming through black coffee under the night sky. I don't have any photos of it, but it was magic.


Vacation is over! Pulling back into the marina.
The boys watching with fascination as we pulled into the docks
Loading up to leave.
And Kotah asks, "Mom, why do the fun times always go by so fast?"


Spending some September days back at Lake Powell was a genuine blessing for our family.

What treasure spots do you have folded into your identity and heart?

Do you have a special place that helps define YOU?

How often do you go back?




This post is linked to Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Making the World Cuter, Market Yourself Mondays, Show and Tell,
Spotlight Yourself, Outdoor Wednesday and Chatting at the Sky

25 comments:

Kathleen Grace said...

Lisa your family is adorble and I love all the things you and your husband teach your children and how you make it so much fun:>)

Nancy said...

I LOVE Lake Powell! You got some amazing pics. I'm glad you guys had such a blast!

caveman said...

That was the most fun I have ever had on the Lake; And I have had a lot of fun there! So this is an every summer thing, right Lover?

Holly Lefevre said...

I have been to Lake Powell in ages. I remember it vividly. I went with my parents and only have fond memories. Glad you had a fabulous vacation.

Kelly Miller said...

That scenery is gorgeous! We have rivers and lakes, but nothing like your Lake Powell.

Jen @ Canadian Rhapsody said...

That looks like a beautiful place! Did you guys rent the houseboat?

Lana Kim White Austin said...

What a wonderful family and wonderful scenery, too! That houseboat seems like the PERFECT way to view the beautiful surroundings!

Hugs, Lana

Susan {LilbearMe} said...

What fun y'all had!! You have such a precious family, Lisa. Keep enjoying them!

Mrs. Sojourner said...

Sounds like a wonderful family time!

Melissa said...

What fun! I love your photos! It's wonderful to share our best childhood memories with our children, isn't it?

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

What an amazing gift that time was! You have beautiful sons, I love their names. :)

The Oregon Coast will forever be locked into our memory as our very first and very best vacation... we had only our first two sons at that time, but getting away was such a rarity (never!) that we were in absolute bliss as we walked the streets of Lincoln City in a drizzling rain, stopping into a cafe for hot chowder, barking back at the sea lions, heading underwater for the aquarium...

It's making me smile, this remembering. Thank you.

Jenny said...

Darn you girl! I would have driven up to meet you to share a cold drink and a hug!

It looks like an amazing trip! You make such wonderful memories for your family Lisa.

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

What gorgeous photos! You certainly are making some wonderful memories for your family!

I posted pics from my son's birthday party. Stop by and let me know what you think :)

Judy@cutest-little-things

Sharon @ Hiking Toward Home said...

What a fabulous Vacation!!! That is such a cool place to go. will have to check it out some day.

Sharon Cohen said...

You've built memories to last for generations. I love your style of posting and I especially enjoy your style of fun!

Michelle said...

I've never vacationed at Lake Powell but have only heard great things. It seems like a perfect family trip.

Donnie said...

What a lovely group of photos and looks like everyone had a ball each time. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

What an amazing place,your family is adorable....houseboating is so much fun,thanks for sharing these great pictures of your Lake Powell vacation.I need to plan a houseboat outing.Enjoyed1
-Jo
-LazyonLoblolly

Barb said...

WOW! Those pics are fantastic. I've actually never been any place like that. I just can't get over it. Look forward to reading more of your blog... and thanks for the book order.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful post, going back home looks like a great thing to do. What a great thing to do for your vacation. Loved the photos and your boys are very handsome.

Rebecca said...

These are great pics! I love the Rainbow Bridge! And their adorable house boat pictures :)

Mrs. Sojourner said...

I would love for you to link up to my Thursday's Tracel Tales & Tips linky party! http://sojournermonologues.blogspot.com/2010/09/thursdays-travel-tales-tips-my-trip-to_30.html

Victoria said...

Looks like so much fun! I would love to go water skiing right about now:)

Sandy said...

What a wonderful place to grow up.. and how nice you were able to spend time there with your new family.. I'd have to move back if it was my hometown.. I don't have a hometown.. every two to three years we moved as a kid and then the same as an adult.. military life is a bummer when your a kid! No real memories, just places!
Great Photos!
Sandy

Becca said...

Oh, I miss the lake...