Celebrating 25 Years of Marriage

Being married for 25 years is kind-of a big deal. Dave and I started talking about how we wanted to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on our 24th wedding anniversary. At first, we talked a good deal about taking an amazing Mediterrean cruise with some absolutely fabulous ports of call that I was dying to see. But, we knew that our 25th wedding anniversary was going to come right on the heels of paying off our house (we also made paying off our house by our 25th wedding anniversary a goal on our 24th wedding anniversary). And when we were throwing every last penny that we had at the mortgage, there isn't any left to throw at a trip. So the cruise will have to wait--maybe for our 30th wedding anniversary.

Then we talked about spending a few days in New York City when I have to travel back to Rutgers (yes, I know that is in New Jersey) in November. But the more we thought about that, the less in love we became with that idea. I think we really just aren't "big city" people, although I loved touring Philadelphia this past summer.

Anyway, the cruise was out and so was New York. We decided that paying off the house would be a big enough celebration. And I thought the discussion on how we were going to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary was closed. But in sometime in late June or early July, Dave floated the idea of coming home from Rexburg by way of Yellowstone. I thought about it for about 2 seconds and then said that is be a fabulous idea. Then I got busy on trying to find some place to stay, not an easy task at that late date.

So, on our actual anniversary, August 24th, we went out to dinner and celebrated paying off our house; we had mailed in the check on August 20th and were officially debt free. That was the best anniversary dinner, ever!

Then a few weeks later we took Katelyn back to BYU-I in Rexburg. I had waited to long to make a hotel reservation in Rexburg for Friday night so we had to spend the night in Idaho Falls. But spending the night in Idaho Falls turned out to be a great thing. We found one of the yummiest BBQ joints I have eaten at. Seriously. The beef brisket was melt-in-your-mouth yummy. And then on Saturday morning, before we headed out to Yellowstone, we enjoyed the beautiful trail that runs along the Snake River.

We stayed in West Yellowstone in what I think was the only available lodging (believe me when I say, I exhausted all searches in trying to find a place to stay). It was a nice, thought not inexpensive, cabin at a place called Hibernation Station. There was a nice homey feel in the whole complex. And I love staying in places that are not connected to the room next door.

Yellowstone was beautiful and scenic, as always. We saw lots of buffalo. We took lots of selfies. Dave did some fishing (secretly the whole point of him suggesting the trip). We hiked some hikes we have never taken before, because previous visits have always focused on hikes that will lead to the best fishing. This visit we compromised. Saturday was my day to pick the sites to see, Sunday was Dave's pick.

Prints found along the stream bank that Dave was fishing. Fortunately, we didn't see any bears or wolves while Dave was fishing.

 

It was a little different touring without the kids. As we were walking around familiar sites and driving past sites visited in the past, we would reminisce about those visits with the kids. It was fun to remember old times, but also great to create new memories with just Dave and me. We made each other laugh a lot as we spent time together. Probably one of my favorite interactions (laughing moments) was on our drive home.

We were passing Hebgen Lake, enjoying the scenery. Dave points to a house that is tucked in the trees overlooking the lake. He says, "Isn't that the best view? Looking over the water and out to the beautiful mountains in the distance?" My response was like this, "Yes, but if there was ever a fire, your house would go up in flames in an instant. Look at how close those trees are to the house." At this point, Dave smiles, slaps the steering wheel and says, "Woman, for 25 years I've been trying to get you to see the glass half-full and you still see it half-empty." Both of us immediately started cracking up because that is such a true statement. I guess maybe by our 50th anniversary I will have figured out how to see things in a "glass half-ful" way, especially with Dave by my side.

Two weeks down, 40 to go

I don't like to wish away time,

especially since these last two weeks were the only time we have with Katelyn since her mission and before she heads down to school.

However,

as far as work goes, I am happy to put these first two weeks of the school year

to bed.

It feels like since the 17th of August I have been going at a sprint pace

to get ready for school.

I woke up in the morning and hit 0-60 in about 30 seconds

And then just stayed at that pace until I fell into bed

completely spent and exhausted.

 

This year was a little worse than normal because I was trying to get so much done

before Katelyn came home so I could spend as much time as possible with her.

I also decided that it would be a good idea to hold a vaccination clinic

right before the 1st day of school.

And, honestly, it turned out to be a huge success.

But getting that planned and organized

on top of my regular school nurse duties

was incredibly tiring.

 

We are taking Katelyn back to school tomorrow.

And on the way home, we are spending a couple of days in Yellowstone.

I'm looking forward to settling into a nice, steady pace

when I return to work next week.