Taylor and I in Jackson Hole

Taylor and I went to Jackson Hole this last week. All by ourselves. My mom came from Texas (where my parents are living at the moment) to watch the kiddos. That was the first time she's watched them for more than a few hours. I think we might make this a yearly tradition, Taylor and I going to the Tetons. We did a 20-mile hike in Paintbrush canyon and Cascade Canyon. We started at String Lake. This was really our first backpacking trip together. We've done day hikes and car camping, but never a 3-day backpacking trip like this. After the second day Taylor told me he decided I was a keeper. 12 years, 3 children and a dental practice together. But it was the hike that sealed the deal.

It was really good to get away from everything that fills my life for a few days. It's healthy to take a break once in a while from EVERYTHING (even our lovely children) and just be in nature. It was so beautiful there. Our friend Rob came with us too. It was supposed to be Rob and Shauna but for now it's just Rob. They're separated but he came anyway. Taylor's known Rob longer than he's known me. I think it was good for Rob to get away too. I hope he and Shauna can work things out. It made me think about Taylor and me. I know I've been frustrated with him before and sometimes get really mad but I'd have to say that through it all I've never wanted to split up. We have our differences, trust me, but we're still two peas in a pod. I can't imagine being with anyone else or being without him. And I know he feels the same.

When we got up to Lake Solititude we were hot and sweaty and the lake looked so inviting. From a distance. So we decided to jump off a rock into the glacial water. Taylor didn't hesitate, just jumped right in. Rob stood there for a good 3 or 4 minutes then jumped. Then I came over fully intended to plunge but had to stand there for a few minutes too. Then I jumped. It was take-your-breath-away cold. Refreshing though.

Last night we lay in bed, me drifting off to sleep. Then he says,"you could just go for months and months without it, couldn't you?". Uh-oh.. guess I'm not going to sleep after all. "It's only been 4 days" I protest. "Seems like months to me", he says, snuggling up. He could definatly not be separated from me for more than 4 days. This makes me smile.