This year at Powell, we did it houseboat style. It had its definite perks, and maybe a drawback or two. The main drawback was when Micah hurt his back on day two and was flat on his back the rest of the trip — in the baking sun. At that point, a hotel would have been great. Other than the hurt back — I had an absolute blast. It was pure bliss — a ton of my family, cousins galore, no crazy injuries besides the back (and the time Nonnie went under the water and ended up under the dock, and didn’t know which way was up– so she started to give up on life), and great weather in the high 90’s without storms.
So here is the trip in pictures:
The three happiest kids on earth during this trip.
They were completely self contained, and didn’t stop until their bodies literally gave out each night.
Dash — the world’s best traveler — driving the boat.
Micah trying out his new slalom ski.
Scout — faithfully putting on his life vest.
The little cruiser — who ate more sand than you can imagine.
And when the sand got old — peaches saved the day.
He ate these things to the nub.
A little entertainment by Trey.
Everyone was trying to get their fill of Jake before he left on his mission.
Cade won the award for biggest improvement. Cade waa always MIA until about 6 months ago. Now, he is everywhere — and especially where my kids are. They are OBSESSED with him.
Navy swam to the back of the houseboat, and was almost drowning. I didn’t understand why until I realized that she was bringing a huge bolder along. We kept telling her to drop it, but she was determined — so we had a great door stop for the trip.
The little angel who never complained once.
Nonnie had a permanent spot in the shade. And usually had a kid or two next to her.
Micah — and every other guy — was obsessed with wake surfing.
This girl was obsessed with making people laugh.
This boy was obsessed with licking his lips because he had more teeth coming in.
This boy was obsessed with meditating when things got crazy!
The kids got pretty excited about fishing every day — and were VERY successful.
Micah made this homemade pole for Icka to use.
And we found this net at the bottom of the lake — that we used a bunch.
Sand Hill was a really fun afternoon.
Until we took a dip and Nonnie didn’t want her picture taken.
This boy was just a cool dude the whole time.
And so were these three.
There were some great adventures to be had by all of the kids.
Micah was miserable by this point.
We stayed really clean with lake water.
We were constantly having fun.
But fell asleep on the flag holding job.
She was OUT!
So out — that she stayed asleep in the above position for about two hours.
This boy spent his “out of his life vest” time in the port a crib.
Again — thank goodness for the peaches and every other morsel of food that he ate.
Persuasion was in full force — and they had a seriously great last vacation together.
There was really good food.
Great company.
And great memories of the first day and a half when our dad sprayed in front of our houseboat — with a healthy back.
Until next year….
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