I may not have any pictures but,

I was in Lake Powell with the clan. And here are just a few of my favorite moments:

* Waking up in the middle of the first night and seeing the nearly full moon reflected on the now-calm waters.

*Riding the purple wave-runner at about 7 am while Kevin and Matt got the boat ready to go. It was just me, the sunrise, the blue of the water, the red of the slick-rock and the wind as I soared over the water at upwards of 40 miles per hour. I spent the rest of the trip trying to recreate that moment. It's a "Life Moment" for me.

*Sunning myself on the big slick-rock island near our first camp spot. The wind had picked up a little so I went off by myself, let my hair down and listened to the nothing-but-nature that surrounded me. I can't remember the last time I felt so beautiful. I saw a neat "leprechaun stick" and asked it to come to me. It did.

*Playing in the sand with Lemur

*Driving Liam around on the wave-runner, especially in Iceberg Canyon.

*Playing in the mud.

*Catching a pollywog for Lemur.

*Jumping off a 10 foot cliff with DesertBound.

*Staying on the houseboat with DreamPacker

*Watching DreamPacker, Wildbound and DesertBound. I was amazed to discover how little I knew about being in the outdoors. I was comforted to realize how much they knew. I felt safe with them around.

*Singing with DesertBound, WildBound and Michaela in Iceberg Canyon as the sun set. I'm not sure better acoustics exist anywhere in the world.

*On the drive down, Trailblazer pointed out Monument Valley in the distance. A thick purpley cloud hovered over the risings of rock that were pinkish themselves. I didn't know colors like that existed in nature. It took my breath away and I was moved to tears.

*Realizing I loved the people who were sharing the houseboat. How awesome that I can love these people that I had never met before and would possibly not have ever met otherwise.

*Holding Rivulet while she played in the water in Willow Creek. I'll never forget the look on her face.

*Watching other people interact with my children. Quincy and Pocketmouse always looking after Rivulet. Carol had a way with Lemur . . . Wildbound and Trailblazer taking Liam out when I was at the end of my rope. Matt paying special attention to Lemur. Dominick befriending my son. Everyone in turns taking a moment to watch Rivulet so that I could build these memories.

My first trip to Lake Powell was and is an emotional experience for me. I learned so much. I have so much to be grateful for, and so many people to be grateful to. But because there is so much, I will just thank one: DreamPacker, thank you for wanting me to go. Thank you for asking me to go. Thank you for your sacrifices of time that allowed me to have this experience.