Summer vacation(s)

Summer coming to an end for my not-so-little Sydney before she goes into middle school (!), so we had to get some quality time in.

Started by taking N5199J out to Lake Powell in Arizona.  Great flight – over the Grand Canyon – to Page, AZ.
Buddy Dane has a KILLER houseboat, so we spend several days jumping off the roof into the lake, riding jet skis, attempting to water ski (Sydney had more luck than I did), eating and having fun.  When it came time to leave, we had to leave a day earlier than the rest of the group, which meant that I had to drive the boat back to the Marina.  But see – I don’t drive BOATS.  Cars, yes.  Planes, yes.  Figured it would be easy.  Driving was easy, parking was easy.  Navigating was impossible.  Turns out all water and rocks look the same.  Got us there, and flew us home.  Great trip.

Next up was Vegas with Pam and her friend Claire.  Very cool.  Stayed at the Wynn, which is just fantastic.  Layed by the pool in a Cabana, went and saw Love at the Mirage, and even managed to win some money gambling.  Sydney understands that this is what she gets for working so hard in school.  Bonus that I get to enjoy it too.  🙂