Overnight on the Colorado River

we had a visitor/ the boat and canyon

As our family grows, rafting has become more and more appealing. Throw all that junk on a boat and let it do the work. You camp on remote beaches with no one around and can still have steak for dinner (although we went with burritos). 

Last weekend our family + the Allred's did an incredible amount of work to get out with our littles overnight. On the river. That's a lot of pfds, gear and people in their boat. But it was just what i needed. May is the busiest month of the year here in Moab. The flowers are blooming the weather great (if you can handle 30mph gusts) and everyone is sick of winter. Brian and I used to get out every weekend, and while we do try, that same lifestyle just isn't possible to maintain with two kids. But, when we do get out it is awesome. And 80% of the time it was totally worth it (notgunnalie, that 20% is not).

our group!

daddy&daughter. I love seeing these two together. And look at the size of Brian's hand! His mama said he was born with paws.

dirty mud splattered on her face already-- 5 mins into the trip.

not as keen on posing with mama. . . 

but this one will! 

The Allred's had scouted out this campsite previously, knowing that the big sandy beach and zero entry would be great for the kids. Little did they know it also came with quicksand (bonus fun for the adults) and mud (bonus fun for Liesel). 

I love. love. love. love her. 

owen and diesel eating their breakfast oatmeal/ family photo!

When we finally got the kids down at night, the adults had an hour or more of actually hearing each other talk and no interruptions. We watched the full moon light up the canyon, ate dark chocolate and talked about who knows what (probably kids). 

7:10am and in the water. 

She knows how to ruin a new suit fast. And WHAT was I thinking buying white???!

The morning was a blast. We took our time getting ready and all of us played on the beach for hours. Dug holes, played in quicksand, jumped in the slippery mud, threw sticks in the water and. . .

broke sheets of clay with our foreheads. 

After we were done playing we packed up and headed out (as the wind was blowing everything down the beach). I've missed water. The Needles feels so dry! 

we're quickly outgrowing the Allred's 14footer-- time for the Hays' to get a boat!!! We're taking donations. 

Thanks. 

jk

sorta. . .