Fall Break at Lake Powell 2011

This year for Fall Break we decided to take one last trip to Lake Powell for the year. The weather was beautiful, even though the air was a bit brisk, it still was in the 70's and the water about 68 degrees. It was perfect fall weather and we so enjoyed getting away and relaxing. There really isn't a better place to unwind and take in the beauty of this amazing place. We went with our neighbors and friends the Taylors. It really was a great trip, and sad to say great trips don't last forever.

Kassi, Mandy, Jensen and Mallorie. All of the kids got along great. I don't think we had an issue with anyone getting not getting along. That's a big plus!
Yes it was definitely sweatshirt weather. I am proud to say that I didn't even get in the water, and I still had an amazing trip. It was just nice to relax and enjoy the weather and the company.
Jordy had some good practice driving the boat. She even learned to pull a skier and I have to admit, she did a great job.
Easton seems to always find a good place to take a nap. He doesn't look very comfortable though.
These two had a great time together.
Boom has been trying to get Mandy to ski all summer, and every time she tells him NO! But she finally succumbed, and the little poop got up on a slalom ski her first try! Way to go Mand!
Jordy got up first try as well, however she is a seasoned skier. She remembered how much she loved it!
Thought this pic was pretty great! This is the dam in the background
Jensen was getting pretty good air this trip on the wakeboard.
Easton boarded the longest distance he ever has. He was pretty comfortable on the board this trip. We better look out next summer, he will be tearing it up for sure.
Kassi Taylor boarded for the first time and got up first try! She was determined too!
Mandy's goal is to be able to jump the wake before Logan gets home next summer. She was pretty darn close. We will have to get in a few trys before June.
Jensen was skiing great this year. I think he has decided this is his favorite water sport.
Every morning I would wake up to these two and Court playing games. One particular morning, the boys were playing "Life" and I heard Court (who is 5) say to Easton and Jake...."I can't read you freaks!" Needless to say, that became our favorite saying of the trip.
The beautiful Glen Canyon Dam
Our groupies....
This is Kim and I. She is one of my favorite people. She is the reason I get up to go to the gym at 515am. We have great talks and I really don't know what I would do without her.
Kim, me, Mandy and Jord
Easton and Boom
Mand and Jord
Jensen really drove the boat alot this trip. He pulled skiers and boarders as well. I think my days of driving the boat are pretty much over, too many wanting to take my place.
Since Boom's hip surgery in April, this is the first time he has been able to do anything behind the boat. He really was a happy camper!
And the old man still has it.....
The kids had a great time on the tube...
Here was the last tube ride of the trip....J is saluting Lake Powell goodbye for the season.
Check out those guns....
This was at Antelope Point marina. We always go in for ice cream....
however.....the ice cream place was closed for the season. That stinks!
Cliff jumping is always a must, even if its cold. Jensen, Mand, and Jord
Mandy doing a layout off the cliff first....
Jordy....making sure the nose is plugged
Jensen never hesitates....
Kassi on the other had....we waited what seemed like days, but she did it!
Jordy and Mandy jumping together.
This is the crew at our newly found favorite spots....the Sand Hill
The kids hiked to the top and then run, roll, back handspring, somersault.....down.
This is a picture of us leaving the marina at Wahweap. At this point we realized the next time we come to Powell......Elder Whittaker will be with us!
Wahweap Marina
Wahweap at sunset
We decided on the way home to go through Richfield. We really live in such a beautiful place. I am so grateful to live in Utah! This really is the place!
We had an amazing trip and can't wait to come back next year. So grateful that we didn't have any accidents and that we were all kept safe. We missed Shea and Kyle, but know that they will be able to come next time.

BYU Football is definitely a Whittaker Family Tradition!

For as long as Boomer and I have been married, BYU Cougar Football has been a family tradition. So.....for 26 years we have been going to the games together. However as our children have grown, I have gone to fewer and fewer games, which is ok, because we all have to share and we all need to enjoy the Cougar Blue. Our kids all know the game of football and all discuss the plays and players of the game. I, however, enjoy watching the people. I enjoy the spirit of the fans the brisk fall air, watching Jensen sing the Cougar Fight song from beginning to end as he stands, claps, and sings each word with pride. I love listening to the boys talk about the ins and outs of the game, the other fans that yell things that don't make any sense, and the smell of the Lavell Edwards stadium. I love that my family refuses to leave the stadium before the game is over, good or bad, and I love that wearing Cougar Blue to all the games is a must. More than anything, I love that this is a tradition that we do together and that everyone LOVES it!

BYU vs San Jose State 29-16 in favor of BYU
Easton and Jensen
Jensen and Boom
Mom
Tessa and Easton
This is a classic moment....Cari brought Boom his favorite. "Cougar Tails!" A maple bar donut. As much as we know we shouldn't, Boom looked at me with the greatest smile and said "I love maple bars!" It made my day and was the frosting on the donut for our night of BYU Football. Thanks for the Cougar Tails, Cari.

I can actually still play!

As a kid, I played on quite o few softball teams. My mom was my coach a lot of the time. It was a great sport to play and I made a lot of friends. I was on the Junior High softball team, however I remember thinking "I will not slide." The uniform was shorts, and I wasn't going to inflict pain on myself. I remember even getting the award for "Best All-Around Player" when I played on the team "The Sprites." I have to say, I could really hit the ball.

This Fall, I played softball again after about a 10 year hiatus. I realized that my brain remembered how to play, but my body didn't cooperate very well. I had lots of aches and pains and even my thighs would cramp, but I also remembered how much I love the game. There is just something about it. It was very fun, especially to play with family and friends!

Pop, our personal photographer!

This is my Dad...POP as my children call him. Isn't he cute! Jordy took this picture of him at one of the many games that he and my MOM attend. They are always there to support my kids and our family. My Dad is always there with his camera and I can always count on him to get great pictures for me. My parents have ALWAYS been a huge support. From the time I was able to participate in any activities, my parents were always in attendance. I knew what ever I did they would be there, and they still are. I love them MUCHO and am so grateful that they are always there for me and my family, and for whatever I need. I am truly blessed to have them as my parents. I am grateful for the experiences that we have had together and look forward to many more in the future. Love you both!

26 Amazing Years......

It is our Anniversary! Can't believe that it has been 26 years. I guess time does fly when you are having fun. We went this weekend for an "Anniversary getaway". We left Friday about noon and took the Jeep up American Fork Canyon to Cascade Springs and over the mountain into Midway. We truly live in an amazing place. It was breathtakingly beautiful. We are so blessed to live in this place. I cut a man's hair that moved here a few months ago from New Jersey. Every time I cut his hair, he tells me what a great place we live in and that he brags all the time to the people he knows that would kill to live here. I really think we take for granted our beautiful surroundings and we forget Heavenly Fathers hand in our beautiful world.

This is at the top of the mountain overlooking Deer Creek.

Another picture of Deer Creek and Midway/Heber in the background. It was a really relaxing and fun ride. Its a for sure do-again ride.

Boom and I stayed in the Penthouse at Zermatt Resort in Midway. We decided we were worth the splurge. This was the view from our balcony. Thought it was a great picture.

Another view. It was a great day and a relaxing stay. Jordy and Shea stayed with the boys. So grateful they were so willing. They made it easy to go away.

We went for walks to dinner, went for a run in the morning and watched the runners from the Wasatch 100 mile race come in at the Homestead. Crazy people! It was nice to not have a schedule and to enjoy being together.

Had to get a picture for proof that we have stayed in a "Penthouse Suite" because it may never happen again. Thank goodness for good deals!

Just want Boom to know how much I love him and how grateful I am for all he does for us. He has much patience with me and my faults and encourages me to be a better person. We have learned much together and continue to make mistakes, but to learn from them. So grateful that he is mine forever and that we can look forward to many more years together. Thanks for 26 amazing years! I love you!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!!

Easton John Whittaker....Running Back and Linebacker!! 2011
This is Easton's 3rd year of playing football. Every year he gets better and learns more, and loves it unconditionally.

He is number #24...the man to watch!

This is his first game of the season against PG Icing. He scored the first touchdown of the first game. It was pretty exciting!

Enjoy the pictures of the first few games...and watch for #24!!

This game is against Westlake Thunder...

Jensen is working the chains for the Cavemen/Thunder game. Thought this was a great picture!

We are excited for football and enjoy watching the Cavemen, especially #24.