August 2, 1995 Orem, Utah

Dearest John & Julianna; Roy, Patrice, Emily, Timothy & Jesse; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

The only birthday on my calendar for this week is Papas. He would have been 75 years old this coming Saturday!!! I wish SO much that he could have enjoyed his family, the cabin and the houseboat - the things he had looked forward to in his old age!!!

This will be a very short letter to report our WONDERFUL vacation on the houseboat. We left right on schedule Wednesday morning - I drove to the Woolleys and they were all packed and ready and waiting. We met the Bob Mellors and the Weinerts at MacDonald's but it was NOT planned. Actually they were just driving away as we drove in. We met again at Hanksville and shard the sandwiches Jeannie had made and then we were on our way.

We got to the marina about 1 o'clock. We did things differently this year and I still don't know why but it worked out. We used to load all our "gear" from the marina dock to Ron's skiing boat and then transfer it all to the houseboat. This year we piled all the "gear" on a little hill close by water deep enough for them to bring the houseboat and then everyone took it and loaded it on. The children were all such a lot of help and it didn't seem to me to take any time at all.

Rick and Jean pulled the "Sea-Doos". I didn't know they were going to have them again this year but I'm SO glad they did!!! It really helps to have them and the children just live on them.

They got their cars all parked and ice bought for the coolers and then we were on our way. We found the most beautiful spots to camp in that I have ever seen. It was EXTREMELY hot and we laughed as we compared our houseboat between those huge boulders that absorb the heat to being in a crockpot. It was SO still in the night that I couldn't believe it - not one bit of air moving. It finally would get cool about 3 o'clock in the morning. We either kept in the water or we kept dipping our shirts in the water and wearing them dripping wet. I can honestly say that I was not uncomfortable - BUT - I didn't have to do any of the hard work. I felt like I was on the "Princess Cruise Lines" - everyone else worked and I ate and read. I felt bad as I watched Bob, Rick Ron, Russell, Ricky and Michael lift those heavy anchors and hike up into the mountains to get them solidly fixed. They didn't ever complain and we moved every day to an absolutely gorgeous spot.

The last night we moved to a closer spot to the marina - it was in a place called Lake Canyon - the other places were in an area called Annie's Canyon. I didn't think it was nearly as pretty - the area around the water was kinda' flat - BUT - it was very cool that night. It was just great to see so many different kinds of scenery. The children all skied, rod the Sea-Doos and the "Rodeo" was very popular. I believe that's what it is called - it's a round donut type float that the children hang on behind the boat. The younger children especially LOVED that and their Dads just about wore themselves out driving the boat - Ha!!!

It was SO much fun to watch the boys catch lizards. I couldn't believe how many they caught - did John teach them how to do that? Some of them were HUGE and looked like Gila Monsters and then Russell found a little baby one. Katie was interested in finding "rock fossils" and I regret that I didn't ever go to their little "Secret Shadows" place where they had them on display - I asked if I could go once but I didn't have the thing I needed to get in and then I forgot about it. They were very particular about the entrance fee - Ha!!!

My letter wouldn't be complete without telling about our being "arrested" by the Park Ranger. It was just too funny the way it happened. I have NEVER known Ron to want to do anything that was the least bit dangerous when he was in charge. This particular day was unusually hot an uncomfortable one and Ron & Ann and some of the children had been out "scouting" for a cool place where we could all be together and have fun. They had found just such a place right around the corner from where our houseboat was anchored. They came back to the houseboat and loaded up the ski boat with everyone that was there. I remember especially that Bob was comfortable reading and relaxing and didn't really want to go. We kinda' teased everybody and decide it should be a family fun venture SO reluctantly we ALL piled onto the ski boat. There were 14 of us - the boat restrictions said 8 maximum.

Two of the younger children were on the Sea-Doos. Laura was driving one and she will just be 12 next week - Mary Ann was riding with her and they were pulling Le Anna behind them on the rodeo. The other Sea-Doo was being drive legally - either by Ricky or Susanna, I can't remember which one. By the time we got around the corner, the ranger had stopped Laura - he had a "gum ball" red light just like the highway patrol. She was frightened enough and then we all drove up with an overloaded ski boat.

Ann kept saying - this is "BIG TIME" - we are in BIG TROUBLE" and we all felt very guilty and foolish. The Ranger took us back to the houseboat, sat us all down and he couldn't possibly have been any nicer or any more effective. He told us all the rules and we had broken most of them. He told how TOO often they have to call in helicopters to take people off the lake and many of them are seriously injured and even killed - he told about how sad it is to take people off the lake in "body bags". He hit his target but in a very nice way and we needed it and appreciated it.

The food was just fabulous as usual. I learn how to do it better each year and vow to do a better job with my meals. I have also vowed to not go again unless I am at least 10 pounds lighter!!!
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