What A Week - Lake Powell '09

I don't know where to begin with this post as I am quite emotional at the moment. The week started out a good one. Lots of surfing, tubing and sun. Cousins hanging out and lots of laughter. This is the first time in a long time where the whole Murphy family has been able to come to Lake Powell at the same time. Awesome.


One trip to the ER for stitches in Jackson's ankle, but all is well. That is until our last day (Saturday) on the lake. Steve and Max were fixing the Wave Runner that wasn't running well, when the thing blew. Steve and Max flew in different directions into the lake and came out with serious burns, singed hair and in a lot of pain. Everyone did what they could to help. Ointments, ice, cold water, blessings, fire fighting, babysitting and love. Rhett, Angie and Jess took them and Stacy to the marina where they were life flighted and ambulanced to different hospitals. By the end of the night they were both at the Burn Unit in Phoenix where they remain at this time.


At one point they were going to intubate Steve (for 3 days min) and possibly Max, but Steve put up a fight. I guess this was good, because his lungs are doing well. They have been so strong through this. I am sure a lot of pain and a definite roller coaster. But we have great news today. Steve was released and will stay with Max and Stacy, and Max will be there for probably a couple of more days. They don't think there will be scaring or skin grafts on the face and they are healing well so far. We feel so blessed as this could have been much worse, but I still ask for all your prayers on their behalf.


We have had tremendous support from neighbors, friends and family. Thank you. My personal thoughts and prayers go out to Stephanie and Christian Nielson www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com and her family as they have gone through so much over the past year dealing with their burns from their plane crash. Her mom came over last night as we got in and her brother to see my parents as they got in. What a great and kind family.


Last night as we talked to Jonah about Stephanie in relation to Max and Steve he asked if he could pray for her as well. I feel so blessed to have a boy with such a tender heart.

We are truly blessed.

* Added note: Tues. July 14th - Stephanie and Christian were down in Phoenix yesterday and stopped in to visit Max and family. They said Stephanie and Christian were precious and the experience was touching. What amazing people. Max and Steve are doing well on their recovery, but they say the scrubbing down of the face and arms are very painful.

4th of July

Balloon Festival with the kids

Parade with Lindsay, Jess, Jessie, Kalob, and Pappy

BBQ Party at Mom and Dads with all our cousins. Didn't get a lot of pictures, but had a great time catching up with everyone.

Cult-a-sac of Fire!

Jacob sums up our day. Fell asleep as he got out of the bath, continued to stay asleep as we lotioned him and dressed him. What a day.

Timpanogos Cave

Moving home has had it's advantages. Pappy always has great adventure planned for the family. June 29th we hiked to Timpanogos cave. The hike was beautiful and the cave was incredible.

Group picture: Megan, Taylor, Payton, Max, Mckay, Murphy, Pappy, Rhett, Angie, Kenzie, Mallory, Bo, Jonah, Savannah, Kate and Jackson.

Don't Fall!

Swimming! Swimming! Swimming!

Now that the record breaking rain has passed, the kids are finally able to swim. Swim lessons, swim stunts, swim anything. It is hard to get them out of the pool. We are loving it here at Aunt Julie's house in Provo Utah!

Oops!

I was so proud of myself for driving this huge truck to our house so we could load up to move to Utah. Well lets just say I was not as good as I thought. I drove so well that I thought "why not back it into the driveway." My mom was honking her car horn as I barely missed the power poll and hit the house. I had no idea (because the truck was so loud) just giving her the thumbs up because I was centered perfectly in the driveway. :) When I got out of the car I realized that I was touching the house. Oops. I thought it was pretty funny, but Dustin didn't laugh so hard.

Feel The Love

Really. Can you feel it?

The Jarvis family was so thoughtful and let some people in the neighborhood and ward know that we were leaving. I was shocked to see the support of those around us. I thought we might say good-bye to a few families, but was overwhelmed by all those that came. We will never forget our wonderful neighbors and hope to always stay in touch with everyone. Thank you all for your friendship and kindness you showed our family while we were up here in Portland. We hope to return and see you all!

Thank you Lori for taking all these (and more) pictures. We will cherish them forever.

Thank you Andrea for putting this night together so we could have a fun time to say our good-byes to all we loved so much in Portland.

Thank you Portland. Our family will never be the same.

Seattle

We headed up to Seattle for the weekend on May 22nd. We stayed at the Westin and got a sweet deal on Hotwire. This was the view we had from the room. The kids absolutely loved it and asked if we could move there.

We got there late, but decided to head over to the Space Needle at 10pm. The monorail was just outside our hotel which was convenient and a fun activity for the kids.

The views were great!

And although the top was fun, the kids liked the rocks you can climb on at the bottom even better.

In the morning we headed back to the Space Needle and got the daytime view. The weather was perfect. In the 70's and not a cloud in the sky.

The kids liked the remote controlled cameras the best.

I had a difficult time leaving the bed at our hotel. Seriously I want a Westin bed and sheeting for my 20th anniversary. They do sell them.

Pikes Market was a little to crowded for the kids, but we had a wonderful Greek sandwich and the experience was fun. A must do for any couple without kids.

Down on the waterfront was the Olde Curiosity Shop. My grandmother (Grana) bought some figurines here back in the 1930's. My Aunt Julie told us about it and we were glad to see it was still there.

Savannah loved all the nicknacks in the store.

But was a little freaked out by the naturally mummified body that was found in the dessert about 100 years ago. This is a real body. Crazy.

Along the pier.

We took a ferry to Bainbridge Island to get ice cream. Windy but beautiful and fun.

More pictures.

Back on the pier the kids wanted to go to the arcade. Jacob loved the Wac-a-mole, Jonah the race car games and Savannah anything that gave tickets. They all loved the carousel.

On the water after eating fish and chips at Ivar's. Yummy!

Overall a great weekend with the kids and a place I will never forget. I love Seattle, especially when it's not raining. :)