And then there were two!

Monday morning I looked out the dining room window and saw a moose. 

I took his photo through the  window and then thought if I was super quiet, I could step outside. Well, the sound of the door didn't startle him that much and I proceeded to take several pictures of the big guy. 

 Suddenly, we both heard splashing in the lake. There was another moose, but as you can see we were not sure which one it was. Or maybe HE knew, but he wasn't going to tell me.

 I loved the look on his face!!

 I wasn't sure what he was planning on doing, so continued to take his picture.

 After a bit, he appeared to leave. So, I went back inside. BUT, I was wrong and dashed back out again!

 He was going to get a drink. I reckon he wanted to see who or what else was going one down there.

 It was the younger bull! I was super careful as I tiptoed on the very dry ground to snap photos. Although, at one point I gave them a talking to because they were right next to the kayak!!! There is one under the trees on the right, he was the one I was most worried about!

 The biggest one wasn't impressed with my bossy mom attitude. .

 After their drink, they both hiked up the hill. I moved much faster since they were in high brush and I was skirting the house! In the photo below, you can see both dark shapes. The older one seemed to prefer the area I'd mowed days before..

 I also gave them a bit of a discussion when they got close to mom's lilac. They left it alone.

They two crossed the drive, leaving hoof prints, topped fireweed, a few dropped flowers, and the sound of bells from mom's garden area. I took over 100 photos of these two beauties. I hope they come back!

After a while, I went down to check on the kayak. I was pretty sure they'd not stepped on anything, but I just wanted to look! They topped the flowers around the bench, but as far as I could see, the kayak was ok. I'll make positive later in the week. 

Before

 Before the Crafting Extravaganza Stash Sale, I was in the house and heard a huffing noise. I didn't see anything at first. Eventually, the younger bull snacked into view. I was next to the house or a tree next to the house, it isn't really as close as it appears! Telephoto is a great asset when photographing large creatures! He was a hungry youngster!

 This one is blurry, but I think there are teeth in there!

He moseyed into the yard and across the bottom edge, before sauntering down the hill into the lake. I like how his ears and antlers cast a shadow on his neck. I think this is 'Bars'. Paddles was definitely a larger bull. 

 You can see I wasn't very close. I did go back to the house when it looked as if he was planning on coming back into the yard. However, he changed his mind!

Instead, he played peek a boo! 

Such a cute young man. It will be fun to see how much more he gets up on top this season.

A bit of June and the Fourth of July!

Moose from June. I saw these two on the 29th and dashed out to take photos. However, between the camera on our side and the dogs on the other, the pair spooked and they swam across the lake! 

 Later in the day, this bull showed up, He was a different bull because it was the same day and the antlers were more branched. I've not seen them around the last few days, but there has been a lot of neighborhood noise combined with the heat.

 He came up into the yard later, so I was able to get a closer shot of his rack.

I was privileged to help put some of these kits together today. Days for Girls is a mission changing lives one girl at a time. 

The fire department had the best parade feature. This rig sprayed the spectators with water! 

 Smoky was probably one of those who wished for a cooler day!

 Even Scoop was at the parade this year! (the Peninsula Oilers Mascot)

 These dancers were dressed like little Rosie the Riveters. They danced to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

 There were several old cars in the parade. After it was over, I noticed this one with the hood up on the side of the road!

 It was a very hot tiring parade. This little one was worn out!

 A beautiful memorial to our fallen hometown soldiers.

 And finally, Troubadour North!

This couple danced to 'Brown Eyed Girl'. They were sweet to watch. 

 Water was popular. The Nikiski Fire Dept (Station 1's temp read it was 80 degrees today!) had a sweet game using fire hoses to put out a 'fire'. When it was aimed properly, a lights would flash and a siren would go off.

So, there is the Fourth of July in Kenai! I hope you enjoyed it!