Powell

A week ago, Nate and I returned from a 7 day vacation - without the kids.  We spent 3 days in Powell with our friends and then 4 days in Vegas with just the two of us. This little getaway was much needed to spend some quality time together.  It was a combination of an early 5 year anniversary trip, a celebration of Nate reaching a goal at work, and just because we wanted to go on a trip.  I was super nervous about leaving the kids for that long, but thanks to Nate's parents, my parents, and Aaron and Samantha, we didn't have to worry about them at all (thanks everyone for watching our kiddos!).  Having an entire week to sleep in, relax, hang out, and play was heavenly.

First stop was Powell.  We drove down Friday to meet our friends Jason & Emily and Rich & Kamilla who had been in Powell all week. Some of Rich's family was there too so it was one big party. Rich and Kamilla were working in Powell all summer long so they hooked us up with a houseboat, powerboat, and a beautiful set up in one of the canyon.  September is an incredible time to go to Powell because it's not blazing hot and it's not as busy.  We haven't been in Powell for 2 years now (last trip posted here) and we had forgotten how beautiful it is there!  The weather was perfect when we went.  And Nate got to ski on some of the best water of his life.  He seriously almost died and went to heaven. 

On Saturday, Rich and Kamilla showed us an awesome hike up this remote canyon.  The first half of the hike was basically just walking through ankle-deep water and seeing some beautiful views.  The second half was a little more treacherous and intense.  Emily and I opted out of the 2nd half and let the others enjoy swimming through freezing cold water, climbing over some crazy obstacles, and maneuvering up rock walls.  The red rock, blue skies, and blue water was gorgeous. Nothing beats the beauty at Powell.

Nate, Jason, and Rich were the 3 amigos all growing up and I think it's awesome they are still such close friends.  They grew up going to Powell together multiple times (including the time they told their parents they were going camping up in Alpine but really drove down to Powell for the weekend). And I love that us three girls get along so well too.  We love hanging out with them.  The times were weren't boating or hiking, we just laid out on the houseboat, read, and went on the "relaxation station".  And at night, we'd all sit around the campfire talking and eating candy (Nate's favorite pastime).  

 *and yes, Nate does look overdressed for Powell - but due to his fair skin he wears a sweatshirt almost the entire time :)

After the weekend in Powell, we were beat (as this picture shows), but we loaded up our car and continued our little getaway...