I'm a lover of traditions. I'm sure you all kinda guessed that by now! Our annual houseboat tradition on Lake Powell is our favorite! Of all the things we get to see and experience in this beautiful little life, our entire family agrees that this is the best! It's the cream of the crop, top dog, grand finale to our family fun.
Lake Powell is our home. Chris and I were both born and raised with the lake in our backyard. I grew up camping and boating on Lake Powell almost every weekend of our summers. This incredible and unique place has my heart in a really big way. This giant space of fresh blue water, with it's awe-inspiring red canyon cliffs always centers my spirit, renews my mind, and covers me with calm. Chris and I are so happy that we can take our boys back to Lake Powell each year, so they can get a taste of who we are, where we came from, and what we identify with.
All traditions are a sheet of music. They follow the same song, repeating the happy melody over and over again. Our Lake Powell tradition is full of repeated fun, with surprises of new activity added in each year.
We ALWAYS stop for milk shakes and burgers on our way to Powell. We all anticipate the break on our drive, counting the miles, and jumping out of the car, as we finalize milk shake flavors in our head!
We are HERE!!
We always kick off our vacation with dinner at the marina. There really is no place I'd rather be.
Every place I go, I run. It's been such a fulfilling goal this year! Coming HOME to run is my favorite!
The docks always carry their own atmosphere that is light, airy, and festive. We rush around getting our home loaded onto the big houseboat before we launch.
Let's float away...
Getting behind this big wheel and waiting to see where this year's adventure will take us!
...and this is the non stop beauty our eyes take in the entire vacation.
Lake Powell is entirely unique. There is no place like it.
We brought our jet skis with us this year! If you've never been on a jet ski...ummm, you really need to!
Me!
Chris!
We rode from sun up to sun down.
Cameron earned his Utah State PWC rider's license this year so he had a lot of fun operating the jet skis too!
PS Cameron is just the cutest little teenager EVER.
Super cool shot of Cameron tearing it up on the jet ski!
On our boat ride, we found our secret slit rock that we discovered a few years ago. You can read this story here. If you climb all the way up this slit, the canyon opens up into a sandy path, way up high, wedged in between the canyon walls. It is serene, quiet, and mysterious. Then you jump back down into the water. It is quite the adventure!
Kotah and I jump!
Kotah jumps!
Titus jumps!
And then back in the boat to continue our excursion. The boys get to practice driving a lot on this trip.
The guys always play kickback music for us while we float. It's a favorite of mine!
Instagram video:
The houseboat slide is always a favorite too!
The boys did it over and over again!
Late afternoon, we found a camp spot, with our little water home nestled in between sandstone walls.
Time to drop the anchors and make a home on the beach.
We do a lot of exploring on our LP vacations. These sandstone hills are the perfect places to run and explore.
Discovering a deep hole in the ground.
Our friends exploring the hole.
Over every red hill is sudden peace and beauty.
Food and freetime makes all our days happy ones!
Steak dinners...
Our friend, Hans, makes legendary beer can potatoes every year!
Camp food is above the rest!
I always bring a collection of homemade snacks...
The lake quiets down when the sun starts to leave in the evening.
The loud summer fun water turns over to a calming, natural peaceful wonderland.
It's the perfect time for fishing.
Titus is hooked on this patient leisure fun.
Day is nearly done and we lie under the stars
ready to start it all again the next day.
ready to start it all again the next day.
Check here for part 2: campfire, water sports, and more
of our annual Lake Powell Houseboat vacation!
Annual Lake Powell Houseboat trip archive:
*Many of these photos are compliments of my talented friend, Kathy. Thank you!
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, Nifty Thrifty, Made by You Monday, Met Monday, Tuesday Tutorials and Tips, HOMEWORK: Be Inspired, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Works for Me Wednesday, Snap Creativity, Organize and Decorate Everything, Transformation Thursday, Tablescape Thursday, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Ave, Foodie Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up, Six Sisters Saturday
