This year's Memorial Day marked the twentieth anniversary of the day we met. I was the "little brother" and she was "my sister's friend". Due to circumstances, she had to ride in my truck on the way to the big annual camping trip, since her car was not four-wheel-drive. It marked the beginning of a short period of dating, and a friendship that's lasted twenty years.

Over the intervening years, we stayed in touch. Both of us explored the world in our own ways, growing and developing into the people we are today. We shared our adventures and our philosophies on life, enjoying the conversation even though often separated by great distances. Eventually, a few years ago, life brought us close enough to visit in person, and, coincidentally, both single again. We decided to give romance a shot one more time.

You know you're fairly compatible when you can spend four days under a tarp in the rain without bickering.

Somehow, and I'm not sure exactly why (I guess this is evidence that she's a little bit crazy ;) I convinced her to leave a good job and move in with me here in Nevada.

I even convinced her to try my recently developed interest in climbing!

Kids arrived, which forever changed our lives, for the better. Not much time for climbing, or camping, or visiting with friends until they get a little older. And yet, I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Having been married once myself, and my (now) wife never really having had much interest in it, getting hitched just never was a big priority for us. We already felt committed to each other, and indeed already made a lifetime bond and commitment when deciding to have children. We realized, however, that marriage was probably in our best interest, and that the 20 year anniversary of the day we met would probably make for a good wedding date, as well as an anniversary we're unlikely to forget. And so, the preparations began. It was supposed to be small; but we ended up with about a hundred friends and family.

The bachelor party fizzled due to a lack of planning, and both kids throwing up the morning we were supposed to head out and camp. However, a handful of us made it out for a day of fun anyway. There were no strippers. Except maybe getting out of the hot spring.

The main event: This is what a wedding should be, at least according to us. Good friends, a relaxed atmosphere, and hitching up with your best friend and intimate partner for a lifetime commitment of adventure! It rained, we dined, we visited, we said our vows, and we all left happy. It didn't break the bank, either. All together, a smashing success!

For the honeymoon, we left the kidlets in the grandparent's capable hands and spent a couple days in tahoe.
A little climbing even!

And so, here's to you and yours. May we all find a lifetime of companionship and adventure ahead!