Please forgive the crappy resolution of that screenshot; I had to use it because it was my favorite moment so far in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.

Periodically, as you play Pocket Camp, you get notifications when you start the game. Out of the clear blue a handful of days ago, Pocket Camp gave me the best possible news: they were adding Maple to the game.

Maple.

Maple!

In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, from the moment I met Maple, she was my very favorite townsanimal. I adored her. She was the first townsanimal I became best friends with (I prominently displayed her photo in my house), and I would go out of my way to do anything she wanted. She was so sweet and kind and adorable and just the best little bear cub I could ever hope to meet.

When Pocket Camp said they were adding her, well, I might have made a noise of excitement out loud. And by might have I mean I absolutely did and it was awkward and glorious.

I have a lot of items saved up in the game, and I immediately used a calling card to “summon” her so I could start leveling her up. All I wanted to do was to invite her to my campsite where she is welcome to stay forever and ever and ever.

Typically I host animals at my campsite until they are leveled to 20 (the current maximum), then send them on their way. I like to keep rotating campers to continue to level up new ones.

However.

Maple will be the exception. When she reaches level 20, sure, it will be nice, but she will be welcome to stay indefinitely. I can think of nothing more wonderful for Camp SuperMyrrh than to see Maple puttering around and enjoying herself.

I just love her so much.

I mean, look at her!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SHE IS THE SWEETEST BEAR CUB AND DIGITAL BEST FRIEND

I really can’t overstate how excited I was to see her added to the game. If I ever had a doubt about staying current with Pocket Camp, those doubts are gone.

Also, all the snacks I get from Gulliver are now going to her. I just keep bringing her presents. I can’t help it. I love her.

.

Now that I’m (temporarily) done singing the praises of Maple, I have to admit something about my recent gaming, or lack thereof: I haven’t played a thing (other than Pocket Camp) since last Saturday, and even that was only for a few hours. My new schedule of getting outside more has been both wonderful and draining. My system hasn’t adjusted fully, so I’ve been sleeping a ridiculous amount (generally close to 11 hours a night). I so badly want to get back to God of War, as well as finally start A Way Out. My friend and I are still working through the DLC for Borderlands 2, so that will be on the menu for Saturday night.

Also! Every year for the past five plus years, I’ve wanted to go to this annual Cinco de Mayo carnival held in a local park. It always looks so festive and fun and, every year, I’m thwarted in my efforts to attend. Well this year that changes! The carnival begins tonight and we are finally going to go! I’m very excited, even if all we do is walk around and consume cotton candy.

With that I ask: what will you be playing this weekend? Any Cinco de Mayo plans?

Whatever you choose to do, please be safe out there. Cheers, friends!