memorial day

First and foremost, can I get an amen for this beautiful weather we've been having lately? In Rexburg, the summer is way too short, but it's perfect while it lasts. Not too hot, not humid. And there's so much to do. It's seriously the best. We decided to take advantage of the near 80 degree weather we had this weekend because we could very well have snow the next. Crazier things have happened here. So we packed our tents and sleeping bags and set out to go camping with a fun group of friends and, of course, Dexter.

It took two trips to get all of our stuff to the campsite, so after I dropped off the first load of things and tied Dex's leash to a tree, I went back to grab the rest of it. When I got back, everyone was backed up into the trees a bit, away from our belongings, standing there in silence and looking at something in the distance. I took a few steps closer and saw it. It was a moose. A big moose. The next thing I saw was Dexter, still tethered to the tree right in the middle of it all, whimpering. He was helpless and he knew it. I looked back at the moose, then to Andy. Little Dexter. Big Moose. Andy. Moose. Poor helpless Dexter. Back to Andy. Obviously, a moose isn't exactly a carnivorous beast who would devour the tiny little fluff ball that is Dexter, but in the moment I wasn't thinking so rationally. I was sure he was going to be eaten, or at least trampled. Get him!! I shout-whispered to Andy. Get Dexter! The moose then turned and faced us directly. Okay wait, no Andy maybe don't go. Just wait. After a few minutes of this stare-down, Andy and my best friend's husband, Dave, took matters into their own hands. Dave created a diversion by picking up two sticks and  hitting them together, shouting at the moose. "Get on!! Get outta here! Go away!" while Andy slowly crawled his way towards Dexter, untied him, and brought him back to safety. My hero! The moose finally decided it was time to go and do his own moose thing, so he took off across the creek and back into the woods. Crisis averted. 

^^Full-on panic mode at this point

Thankfully, we had no more run-in's with the wildlife for the rest of the night. We made a fire, cooked tinfoil dinners, toasted Starbursts, and ate more s'mores than we should've. We sat around sharing stories of all different varieties. Embarrassing ones, "stupid things you did in high school" ones, and even a few scary ones. Katie (the friend mentioned earlier) and I realized that it was this weekend two years ago that we first met and became friends. I'm so, so glad that we met and hit it off like we did. It's a rare kind of friendship. The kind that everyone needs in their life. After a lot of laughs and Dr. Peppers we all called it a night and retired to our tents. The night was cold and the ground was lumpy, but a good time was had by all regardless!

More importantly, this weekend was about those who have fought for our nation's freedom. I am forever grateful for those who so bravely serve our country.  I spent some time today thinking about my sweet Papa, who served in the Navy during WWII. He was an honorable, lovable, giant teddy-bear of a man and I can't wait to see him again one day. Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

Papa and my mom. I love this picture of him. We sure do miss him!