Lake Powell was Terrific!

Thanks to all of you for all the work you did to get your families there, and especially to Jon and Denise for bringing all those fun water toys. Though children are oblivious to this fact, vacations can be hard work. It takes a lot of effort to make it happen. But there are few things in this world that bring more joy to my heart than seeing our children and grandchildren working and playing together, just enjoying one another. I loved seeing the sheer joy Hunter, Jacob, and Drew exude in being together and playing in that water non-stop. I loved seeing all those little muts get up on water skis and sailing over the water. I loved watching the stars at night together and waking up to that awesome headboard above us and the beautiful panorama of rock and water before us---and all those sleeping bodies spread out around me. I loved watching the older kids reach for a baby to hold and play with to help out. I loved just hanging out, playing games or just talking, remembering the past we've shared together. The funny family stories. These are some of the highlights in my mind.

I have to admit it all sounded like such a great idea last February when I started making the arrangements but as the day drew closer I began to worry that maybe the timing was all wrong given all the babies, etc. So many things could go wrong given our lack of experience with boats and Lake Powell. But the Lord really answered our prayers and helped us have a wonderful experience. I have already begun a list of what to do "next time" to make it better now that we know what we know. First on the list, Get the Thomases there!

I know you'll post wonderful pictures, better than mine, so I won't try to do that here but I'm looking forward to seeing all of yours. Mandy has already done that with her pictures and a few of mine. You can get that link from her e-mail.

Next week I'll know whether we get the big lodge at Bear Lake for Thanksgiving. I'll let you know as soon as I do.

Love and blessings, Mom and Dad