Home from Powell

We’re home! I mentioned I was off enjoying some R&R with my family, and we just got back from our annual trip to Lake Powell! It was particularly gorgeous and perfect this year—maybe because I was particularly exhausted and just needed some veg time. Seriously, I think I did less work than I’ve ever done; I really needed to just sit and stare into space for a few days and give myself some mental and physical catch-up time.

Of course, I didn’t really stare into space for too long. There are always meals to prepare and grandchildren to play with and family to enjoy and a few small work-related tasks to complete.

I’m not a real games person, but I did spend several hours playing cards with the grandkids (Speed with the older kids, and Go Fish with the younger ones). I also LOVED watching the older grandkids start venturing into some of the more adventurous water sports—without needing their dads or uncles to help them or spur them on. I can see how much fun this is going to be as our grandchildren get older!

One of the reasons I love our Powell trip so much is that it’s so routine and predictable and low stress. We don’t wear make-up (the girls wanted to make sure that everyone knew that when they looked at the pictures), we don’t do our hair—I hardly even get dressed! Seriously, I packed two pairs of pajamas and two swimming suits this year. When I wasn’t in my jammies, I was in my swimming suit. Does it get better than that!?

There’s nowhere to go (unless I have to boat out to find cell coverage to make a few phone calls), no decisions to make (we have the same menu every year), and no planning necessary. We have pretty much the same activities every year—water and jet skiing, bum busting, and playing in the sand, along with a movie at night—nothing to do but sit back and relax!

So now I’ve had a week off and I’m back at it! I feel refreshed and rejuvenated and excited for the coming weeks and months, the new catalog, our Europe incentive trip, convention. . . . so many fun things in store. And I feel ready for it all—Lake Powell does that for me every time!

Comments

[Candy Diaz]

Yea! Glad you are back and all rested. I kept checking your blog every day. I thought you were at Powell. Our weather here is still wintery. We had 23 days in the 80's and today its cold and windy again. No garden this year, however I do have a new Rooster named Moe, get him yesterday and he is a great pet, loves to be held.

[Patty Bennett]

What a treasure to have this time with your family each year!! I can hear all the giggling and and "whoohooo's" from here ! :) Thanks for sharing your pix!
Patty

[Jane W.]

This looks like a great trip. Please tell your daughters that they look terrific. They are naturally beautiful, and need no makeup!

[Susan K]

Sounds like an awesome vacation! You all look beautiful without makeup!

[Christina]

I was wondering if that is were you were off too! Thanks for sharing the pictures. It looks like everyone had a great time. Everyone looks beautiful without hair and make-up done. :) Have a wonderful week.

[Lori B]

Glad to see you are taking a much needed vacation! You have been traveling so much lately and while the adventures you've shared have been fun, being away takes a toll. I totally get the jammies and swimsuit only wardrobe. Also, love the no planning, just do what "we always do" agenda and meals! It allows more time to just visit and have fun! No stress, just relaxation! Glad you got to take that time! Thanks for sharing!

[tania smith]

What a wonderful idea to do an annual trip to the same spot every year. Keep the same menu and activities to take all the stress out of the planning each year. Brilliant! Got my wheels turning. It looks like a rejuvinating time was had by all. I too am enjoying the anticipation of a new catalogue :)
-tania

[Tiffany Evans]

I am so thrilled for you. Lake Powell, is a summer must. My family has lots of fond memories. Just a question though, what is "bum-busting"? I am seriously at a lost. No one in my family knows either. BTW your are amazing, the new catalog is wonderful, and I cant wait to share with my customers.

[Diana Gibbs]

Hi Shelli,

It looks like fun. I bet the kids would love to play Farkle, that is a big favorite at our house, and one year at Christmas, I think there were 20 of us sitting around the table playing.
Gotta love that family time.

By the way, while you were bum busting, I have been drooling over the new catalog! It is amazing! Well done!

See you next month!

Hugs,
Di

[Deb Thoms]

What's the European incentive trip?

[Theresia]

Good to hear you are well rested and ready for all things to come, please consider The Netherlands as new country for Stampin up so we don't have to drive all the way to Germany for those beauties of Stampin Up stamps! Enjoy everything.( I will be the first demonstrator to sign in :) )

[Jules]

Glad you are all rested up Shelli! Cannot wait for the European Incentive Trip next week, less that 6 days to go!! Julie

[Tara]

Dear Shelli
I feel I have to warn you that you will need another holiday after the European Incentive Trip! That fab group of ♥UK♥ girlies that you will be spending time with will absolutely exhaust you! You won't stop laughing!

I hope you all have a fabulous time ♥Monica♥ (my super duper upline), Jules, Natalie, Amanda, Jenny, Dawn & Michelle (hope I didn't miss anybody out)

Oh,and please please explain what bum busing is ?

Thank you!

[Debbie Koch]

Dear Shelli,

I'm so glad to hear you had a restful, enjoyable trip with your family! We all need to get away from the routine and stress once in a while to keep our proper perspective! Welcome back!
Debbie

[Claire Daly]

Great to see you getting some relaxing fun days with your family Shelli!

[Chantal Bruneau]

Beautiful pictures! You all look great and well rested, rejuvenate!

[Helen]

Sounds like a wonderful (and well-earned) break!

[Anonymous]

*Bum busting is also known as tubing.

[Dania Welch]

Hi Shelli,
I know this is a silly question but what are your menus for this trip? Planning the food is always the biggest drawback for any type of trip like this for me. Would you mind sharing? And I agree with the rest, you all look fabulous all natural, no make-up! Thanks, Dania

[Sharon]

"Bum bustin" is sitting in a tube being bounced around on your bum behind a boat!