We hosted a little going away party for ourselves at Conor O'Neill's a couple days before saying goodbye to Boulder. Lots of our favorite people came and we got photos of almost everyone.

We were touched and flattered that so many people showed up to say goodbye and wish us well. We had a lovely evening. We'll miss you, Boulder!

While in Washington last month, I got to spend a day with our good friends Kai and Ingrid and meet the newest member of their family... Tai. We chatted on a blanket in the park, we talked over great food, we talked while watching Tai crawl to every corner of the house he could reach, and Kai and Ingrid told me all about what it's been like for them to be new parents. What a nice day!

From Lake Powell, we hopped in Esmeralda and embarked on the journey out to California. We started at scenic Hanksville, where we made sure to see all the key sights: 

Driving onward, we stopped at the Hickman Ridge Trail for a little hike around sunset. It was beautiful. I tell you what, Utah has got some serious rocks!

And finally, what Jake had been looking forward to for months, we journeyed down the Extraterrestrial Highway. We saw flying saucers and stopped for a famous alien burger in Rachel, Nevada. Apparently it was pretty windy.

And... on to California we went! Up next: taking Betsy (Jake's 4Runner) and all our other stuff out to the West Coast.

Back in August we joined Jake's extended family for a couple days at their houseboat in Lake Powell. As we drove toward the lake, we stopped in Hanksville so Jake could show me the Hollow Mountain gas station he remembers fondly from his childhood. Zillions of green bugs met us there - they were everywhere! Apparently this isn't too unusual for the good people of Hanksville...

Anyway, we made it past and drove on to Lake Powell, where Adam picked us up from the dock and took us to the houseboat for a couple of days of fun. Swimming, wakeboarding, relaxing, enjoying the sun... what a perfect way to spend a summer vacation! And in such a gorgeous setting, too.

There was lots of lounging around, talking, and just enjoying the outdoors. We slept under the stars and enjoyed the great wide open. Jake and I were responsible for dessert one evening, so we introduced the crowd to "Kansas-style" strawberry shortcake. In the meantime, others cooked up veritable feasts for everyone to enjoy.

It was the ultimate summer vacation and we had a fantastic time. Until next year, Lake Powell! (Hopefully...)

ps. Yes I know, clearly I need a tan! I'm not sure how I managed to become a Quist without one.