Our Lake Powell Adventures

Hang on readers, I have done my very best to keep the number of pictures to a minimum, but those of you who know me realize that was a very difficult task. Last week, Cody, Mya and I were lucky enough to spend our week soaking up the sun in Lake Powell with Nanna and Papa Hansen. It was an absolute blast, the weather was fantastic, the water was warm, and the scenery amazing!

Mya's first encounter with her life jacket was filled with absolute anger! She was absolutely livid that we would strap her into this horrid thing that squished her face. She did not hesitate ever to let us know that she didn't want to put it on. I'll admit that I caved and brought the Binky from it's sleep only role to help keep the peace with my little girl. After a couple days she became tolerant of her fate.
She looks comfy huh?

Lookin' good honey!

I had never seen the Indian ruins at defiance house so it was really neat to see actual petroglyphs. Cody's family has always called this place 'dangling rope', it didn't take me long to figure out why.

Mya had seen enough today, can you tell?

So she and Aunt Kenzie crashed on the boat ride home.

The next day we decided to find some 'beach'. It was kind of difficult to find some without any weeds. But we found a nice place for Mya, Nanna and I to wade and the rest of the crew to hunt for lizards. The rocks behind us were so beautiful and really fun to climb on.

Mya was thrilled to be free of her life jacket and to walk around. She wanted to walk everywhere, I think she was feeling a little cooped up on the boat.

She loved getting in the water, it helped that it was such a great temperature.

The Lizard Hunters

Kenzie and Dave caught a crazy huge lizard, I think it's the biggest one ever caught by a Hansen. Only the biggest trophies for our family.

She's not afraid to poke at things, the poor lizard didn't love it but what can ya do.

Driving the boat off our sandy parking spot before we strapped her back into the torture vest.

I had to document this, I thought it was hilarious how adorable and tiny her little piggies were. They didn't last long but I did get them on film.

The next day was really fun for me because I got to play tourist and go see all the cool national park stuff that my in-laws have seen so many times but were a first for me. I loved the hour boat ride to rainbow bridge. It was so amazing to see the landscape change; everything is the smooth red sandstone cliffs and then all the sudden it changes into a 'chunky' rocky mountain and then back again. It was so beautiful.

Me and my girlie hikin' to the arch.

Mya and Aunt Kenzie.

We love our Auntie Kenzie! She was so sweet to Mya the whole time, walking back and forth wherever Mya's little heart desired, she watched her, and helped me with anything I needed.
Thanks so much kenz, you are the best!

Hole in the Rock

The next stop our my tourist route. I was blown away looking at this steep hillside where the pioneers entered the canyon. I can't imagine working my way down that in a handcart or a covered wagon in the blazing heat in long skirts.

Then we went up Escalante canyon. I wish these pictures did it justice, but they just don't.

So pretty!

I kinda like this guy!

He's sporting the rugged, I don't have to shave 'cause I'm at lake Powell look.

This was Mya's official boat riding position: blocked from the wind, Binky in mouth.

Pappa doing a little cliff jumping.

MMMmmm, Otter Pops!

Our last full day we didn't have a plan so the boys decided we needed to find a hike. We had come across this slot canyon earlier on a boat ride and we decided to check it out and see how far they could make it up. They could only make it up a little way but while we were there they met some guy who told them about a hike the next canyon over that would bring us around to the top of this canyon. We asked if it was a hard hike and he assured us that his grandmother could do it.

Well this guys grandmother must run marathons or something because man, it was crazy! It was probably much harder because we were stupid and hiked it in the middle of the day. We didn't make it all the way to the top of the slot canyon, but it was fun to say we tried. And boy it felt nice to jump into the water when we got back.

Thanks everyone for a great time, I love ya!

Calling Home,

Tonight I called home at 9 o'clock, I try to call whenever I go to work. I just like to check in and say goodnight, I love you, and hear the voices of my favorite people. Little did I know that this call would melt my heart. I was talking with Cody and could hear Miss Mya letting out her war whoops in the back ground, such lovely noises. After a few more yowls, Cody told me he was going to give the phone to Mya to see what she would do. As soon as I said her name, she stopped mid scream and said "Hi", and then after a little more one sided conversation by me I could hear 'ma, ma, ma' coming through the receiver. Oh, who knew those little syllables could make me so happy ... whether she really knew it was me or not, it made my night.

Fishin' at Gooseberry

It's that time of year again... time to get up early, pack up our worms and fishin' poles and head for Gooseberry. Cody and I have been fishing at this spot on opening day for the last 4 years, and I'll tell you what, it's my kind of fishing. We all caught our limit in about 2 hours.

This year McKay and Mya came with us, and it was a great time. I'm proud to say that I caught the grandaddy fish. I don't think the guys fishing across the way from us were thrilled with that and with how quickly I did so. That's what they get for using artificial stuff when you can use juicy, wiggly, worms.
McKay, showing off his catch to Mya. I'll admit that I was a germ conscious mother and had to wipe her hand off with a wet wipe immediately after I took this shot.

Mya was fantastic! She was content to hang out on the blanket, play with her toys, and empty her diaper bag multiple times. We were all very surprised how well she did. She even sat on my lap while we reeled in a fish, the people around us got a kick out of that.

Diva Shades

The traditional picture of the catch.

Dr. Office Visit

Mya had her 1 year doctor's appointment today.

Weight: 17 pounds 13 ounces (6%)

Length: 29.75 in (73%)

Head Cir. : 18.75 (97%)

I can't believe how big and grown up my little Mya is getting. In a year she has gained almost 12 pounds and grown 10 inches! She's still a skinny little bean, so we have to go back to have her weight and head checked again in 3 months. Speaking of big heads, I am thrilled to report that her head hasn't grown at all!! Whew, I'll admit I let out a huge sigh of relief when they told me. It's back on the charts which means... no CT scan! We just have the follow up appointment in October. She had to have 3 shots today; the first ones in her little arms. She was so pitiful, she would hold out her arm to me, look at the band aid and just cry. Poor little soul.

The doctor also told us that the state has increased the weight requirement for moving children to a forward facing car seat from 20lbs to 30lbs, so I guess Cody and I won't have to spring for one of those until Mya's much older. I don't know if she'll put up with it for much longer though, she thinks it's quite boring.

4th of July, Corn and Movie Night

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

Our 4th this year was really low key, no parades or getting up early. We hung out while Mya had a nap, which is getting very difficult because she wants to be awake all the time, then we spent the rest of the day with my parents and the fam.

Mya and uncle 'K' having a bounce on the tramp. She loves the tramp, if you let her lead that's where she'll take you.

Off on another adventure, as long as she has two fingers to hold she is game for anything. But as soon as there is only one then she freezes and waits until you give it back or sits down and crawls.

I wonder if we replaced our fingers with hot dogs or something if she would walk on her own?

We had a delicious barbecue with Goodmans, oodles of food and home made ice cream! MMmMm! There really isn't anything better that home made ice cream and a good cookie! I am salivating right now just thinking about it! Yum!

Hanging out with Cole and Heather.

Once it got dark, we got together with some more cousins and had a fantastic pyrotechnic show a la black cat fireworks. It was a great time! We could see the city fireworks from the yard so we had both ends of the spectrum. Mya was quite indifferent to the whole firework thing, and after a while the melt down hit and we headed for home and bed. All in all a great day!

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Mya discovered a new favorite food this weekend... Corn on the cob!
And man was she loving every second of it. I think she was more excited about this than she was her birthday cake.

She would give a few good chews and then she would suck so hard on it you could hear her.

Cody would get too close to her end of the cob and she would push him away with her hand. We tried to take it away and she let out a war cry, so once it was gone we had to be sneaky about getting it out of sight.

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The Keetch Family Outdoor Theater is officially open!

We had the first movie of the season this weekend,

It's the story of the Highland Rugby team. It was really a good show. I'll be honest, I was a little nervous I wasn't sure what to expect but I really liked it. It was a really great story and really well done! I recommend it.

Each year the set up gets better and better, we started out with a sheet and our giant old indoor speakers but now we are totally uptown! A real screen and this year's addition, surround sound. It is really awesome, I can't wait to watch a good action movie out there.

McKay, Shikeyah, Mya and Cody saving our place.

Not all of us were brave enough to stay for the sleep out that followed, maybe next time.

Thanks everyone for a fun weekend!