A family that trespasses together...

Flat Rock: A Memorial Day Adventure.


If I could meet and thank one man from History, it would be Brigham Young. "Brigham" I would say, "Thank you for sending my pioneer ancestors to Upton, UT. You provided us with the perfect place for Family Reunions for Generations!"


My Great Grandmother was born in this house.





Although there are currently sheep that spend there days inside it really has been an awesome place to see. This small house is on some of the most beautiful land in Utah. Nearby is what our family calls "Flat Rock". The story my grandfather has told me is that this area used to be a giant lake. In Jr High I think I discovered it must have been part of Lake Bonneville. There was an earthquake. The water rushed away and the rock bottom slid up the side of a mountain range. Walking up the Rock you can see fossils of Shells and fish. It is awesome.

My Grandpa's family sold the land years ago, but, with the condition that the family would be allowed back every memorial day weekend. My mom had never missed a Memorial Day weekend her entire life, even when she was 9 months pregnant and a couple days overdue with Hilary. She hadn't had the baby yet but she was definately going to make it to "Flat Rock".

About 10 years ago the people who had bought the land from my family, sold it to some new owners. These new owners unfortunately knew nothing of the arrangement made for my family. So it's been a while since we got to journey to the Powell Family's Mecca. It has been heart breaking. This year we decided to try to see the old homestead, come what may.

Also found in Upton is a small cemetary where many of my ancestors have been buried. Here's Annie and Ellie sitting in front of my great Grandparents Headstone.

And here is Ellie attempting to stand on one of the headstones. We had a hard time convincing her they weren't fun climbing rocks.

Every year I would seek out this headstone. I thought it was neat, and would like my tombstone to share how I died as well. ESPECIALLY if it is in a cool way like being struck by lightning.

This is my Uncle Burn's Headstone.

Here's Ellie donning a hat, She looks so cute in hats, but will only keep them on for an average of about 3 minutes.
Here's Annie playing down by the River. When my siblilngs and I were younger we would attempt to build a dam every year. We would manage to flood a small area and make a very shallow swimming whole.

When we arrived at the Rock, there was in fact a fence up, with no trespassing signs... Hmmm, decision time. Most of my family decided it was worth it to climb under or over the fence, including my sister who was 9 months pregnant. She takes after her mother that way.

Pictured Below: Hilary, me, Annie, Ellie, Dad (Robert) and Cody. Greg (Hilary's husband is taking the picture.)

Here is the view from the top of the rock portion of the mountain. We needed a picture of the wimplets who decided not to trespass. My mom, Talina and David. (David had many job interviews lined up, many including back ground checks, Guess he didn't want to risk mucking up his chances)

My Dad, finally getting to take a Grandchild up Flat Rock.

Hilary made it to almost the very top, but after the flat part ends it's much more like hiking so we sent her back down. (9 months pregnant, remember)

Greg and Ellie (Ellie practically ran up that hill)

Once over the top, we get to head down the backside of the mountain. Here's Cody finding Deer Antlers.COUGAR HOLES!!! Running along the side of FlatRock are what we have dubbed cougar holes. I'm pretty sure that no cougar has ever been in one of them but...

I'm pretty sure my parents have pictures of me and my siblings crawling thorugh these holes.

And here we are celebrating our petty crime and the re-living of our childhoods.

Great Day!