Monkey Rock and Celebrate America

We've had some unseasonably warm weather this past week so we jumped at the opportunity to go swimming. We went to a little place called Monkey Rock which is about 15 minutes north of Rexburg. There isn't any monkeys or a rock that looks like a monkey, but there is a bridge to jump off of, a beautiful waterfall, and an area to swim. It was the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.

It was great until a windy storm rolled in so we decided that it was time to head to Driggs for the Celebrate America festival. 

 

 The first time ever I got to see the Tetons!

We were lucky enough to have the storm stay with us the entire drive. Once we got there we hung out in the car for about twenty minutes and waited for it to pass. This was our first time ever going to this festival and it turned out to be better and bigger than we expected. There was tons of bounces houses for kids, and some other entertainment. The best part is that the only thing you pay for is food. The food lines were SUPER long. We waited at least an hour for a burger, but now we know for next time to pack a cooler with dinner and snacks.

We got to listen to two members from the Beach Boys sing their songs, and then the fireworks started. They were amazing! They used the speakers from the concert to play music that went along with the fireworks. Lee Greenwood sang "God Bless the USA" which was awesome and so powerful. With fireworks going off and the crowd singing the chorus with him it screamed American pride. 

We sat in the parking lot for an hour before we could even move, and the funniest thing happened. There was a kinda creepy middle aged man alone in the car next to who asked us if we want to form a 'squeeze plan' to get out of our parking spots and into the line of cars that wasn't even moving yet. Taylor and I politely declined since we weren't in a hurry and knew that we wouldn't be getting out of there anytime soon. He turned out to be super entertaining because we got to watch him execute this 'squeeze plan' and help another car get out. He was crazy and got into a fight with some girl about waiting your turn. Seriously, so hilarious. People are in way too much of a hurry these days..

On a much sadder note: my piece of crap wonderful car, Stella, is now officially banned from taking highway trips and can only drive in town. She's had some transmission issues for the past year, but she took a downhill turn yesterday. It's a very sad day in Stella land.. and Rachel land too.