Weekend fun in the sun

We managed to cram a fair amount of fun into this past weekend, despite spending most of Sunday working around the house. On Friday afternoon, Jeremy suggested that we plan an evening hike up to Desolation Lake to watch the Wasatch 100 runners come through.  It was completely last minute, but we did a pretty good job of throwing together a plan via text messages at work.  After a quick pit stop at home to change clothes, feed Ruby, etc., we ran through Chipotle, grabbed a couple burritos for our packs, and headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  The hike up MillD to Desolation lake isn't particularly technical, but we were racing daylight hoping to get to the top before dark.

The trail

Self-portrait on the way up

It's about a 4 mile hike with 2000 ft. of elevation gain (not too bad for the Wasatch), and despite the fact that we're both pretty out of shape right now, we managed to make it to the lake with just enough light left to actually see it. We plopped down near the aid station and plowed into our burritos (note: Chipotle burritos taste even better when eaten in the middle of nowhere after a hike).

Jeremy "running" up part of the trail

(Look, I learned to make a gif animation!)

Just before reaching the lake

Our timing was perfect, as we were eating, Jeremy's friend Craig came through the aid station (~mile 67) looking strong.  He was pretty surprised to see us up there!  We hung out at the aid station for a few hours, lending a hand, saying hi to friends as they ran through, warming folks up and basically hanging out.  It started getting pretty chilly around 10:30pm, and we had only packed limited gear, so we decided it was time for us to hike down for the night.  Armed with our headlamps, we made pretty quick work of the descent.  I passed out in the car on the drive home (I think my week caught up with me) and we allowed ourselves to sleep in a bit on Saturday.

Saturday morning, we joined our friend Melissa and her dog Leia for Doggie Swim Day at our local public pool.  It's a pretty cool event!  As with many public pools, this one closes after Labor Day.  Each year, they open it up for a few hours the Saturday after Labor Day for doggie swim time.  It was a RIOT!  Picture 60 or so dogs of all sizes/breeds, about 100 tennis balls, and water... awesome!

Just getting started!

Loving Life : )

Ruby could not even comprehend what was happening.  She ran around like a maniac, in the shallow end, out of the shallow end, running laps around the pool, chasing literally every ball that was thrown.  At one point she was swimming along with a ball in her mouth trying to stuff two or three more in there.  She was in heaven!  We never really got her to do the running jump into the deep end like some of the other dogs, but she would "jump" in after a ball and she swam like a champ.  We had to pull her out of the deep end by her armpits because she couldn't figure out how to climb over the lip, but she kept diving right back in.

It's a race!

Bobbing for tennis balls

Ruby's buddy Leia saying hello

I'm fairly certain Ruby's drowning that brown dog for trying to take her ball... no manners!

All in all, it was a great morning.  We had to drag her out of there against her will.  She would have kept going past the point of exhaustion if we had let her.  Even though we only stayed for about an hour and a half, she pretty much slept the entire rest of the weekend!  I wish they held an event like that more than once a year, it was the perfect way to wear her out and she couldn't have had more fun!

Saturday afternoon, we wandered over to the Avenue's Street Fair with our neighbors and spent a few hours checking out the booths and sampling the food.  It was a nice, sunny afternoon and we both ended up with some pretty spectacular tan lines on our feet from our flip flops.  It's always a good weekend when you get odd tan lines :)  While at the fair, we picked up a Utes-themed bandana for Ruby so she can show her Utah pride this week for homecoming.  Beat BYU!!

Ruby-girl, the Ute fan!

(black dog on a black comforter = poor contrast, I know)

Mazel Tov!

This post is a little late, but better late than never! 

Last weekend Jeremy and I drove up to Spokane, WA for my best friend's wedding... no, not the cheesy movie, the real deal!  My college roommate (and roomie for life) Rachel Kutteruf married a super great guy, Jon Cogen. Rachel and Jon have friends strewn all over the country and everyone gathered in downtown Spokane to celebrate with them.  Thursday night, those of us who were in town already, met up for dinner and drinks.  It was great to meet the groomsmen and get to know everyone before the festivities kicked off.  Jeremy hit it off with the guys and they adopted him for the weekend, which was really sweet! 

Jon (right) and his best man... and two ginormous beers!

On Friday, we rounded up the crew for rehearsal at Beacon Hill a beautiful venue just outside downtown Spokane.  We're all pros and rehearsal went smoothly. Jack, the ring bearer, stole the show and proved he was up to the task.  Jeremy dutifully served as photographer for the day (the whole weekend, really) and captured some great shots.

Beacon Hill

Yeah, that'll do

The motley crew

Jack, racing down the "aisle"

That night, Rachel's long-time friend Abbey hosted a pre-wedding BBQ at her parent's house.  It was the perfect house party, parents hiding in their bedroom while the boys and girls got to know each other  better :)  None of us realized that Rachel and Jon had planned a flip-cup tournament for that evening and tensions were high as the bridesmaids (and extra ladies) took on the groomsmen (and extra guys).  Long story short, the boys came out pretty cocky and we proceeded to crush them! Rachel has assembled quite the group of friends over the years - we're competitive, we're coordinated, and we can put away a beer when required.  The guys would argue that it was close, but in reality we whooped them.  It was a great night and really set the tone for the rest of the weekend :)

Matching up...

Intense battle...

VICTORY!!!

On Saturday,  the girls headed out to Coeur d'Alene to get our nails done and have lunch on the lake.  It was great girl time.  The guys (with Jeremy in tow) set off on what I heard was an epic mini-golf/arcade adventure to keep themselves busy while we were off getting pampered.  I feel I should add here that it was strange being back in Coeur d'Alene, as I hadn't been back since the ironman last year.  It was surreal to have lunch overlooking the swim start and drive my car right down the finisher's chute.  Lunch was lovely and was highlighted by huckleberry cocktails... yum!  

Huckleberry cheers!

(Photo Credit: Alyssa Henley)

That night, we all met up in downtown Spokane for the rehearsal dinner.  We had a blast wining, dining, toasting, etc.  It was clear how much everyone there loves Rachel and Jon! 

Me and Jeremy

(Photo Credit: Abbey Blume)

The girls!

(Photo Credit: Whoever was holding Abbey's camera)

Sunday was all about the wedding! We spent the morning at the salon getting our hair and makeup done before taking over Rachel's hotel room to get dressed.  The wedding was beautiful! It was my first Jewish wedding and I loved all of the traditions.  Everything went off without a hitch.  Rachel made a stunning bride, and Jon was a dashing groom. Together, they were adorable!  

The wedding

(Photo Credit: Shamelessly stolen from Rachel's Facebook Page)

I love the look he's giving her

Looking sharp!

Roomies for life - with our signature cocktail :)

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and a nice get-away.  As we left, we vowed to not go as long without getting together.  There's talk of a winter reunion... here's hoping we pull it off!