Time is always surprising; It seems like just yesterday, not nearly 27 years ago, that I first locked eyes with Jim, in Ken’s living room. Jim, full-bearded and scruffy, just off the boat from Alaska. Myself, fully focused on going to school for international law and moving to Paris. An unlikely pair? Apparently not~ Six days after our first date Jim asked me to marry him, and the rest, as they say, is history. Astonishingly, June 2nd we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. 25 years… it seems unreal, and presents a very literal example of how fast time moves by.
In honor of our silver anniversary, I present a photo essay of the history that is the Delameters! While memories abound, the travel theme is apparent in my favorite photos of our lives well lived. We are blessed, beyond measure, to have recognized the immediate connection as fate and the universe conspired to bring us together.
Gold Butte lookout tower… the site of the proposal
By 1995 it had already become apparent, our life and passion revolved around travel and exploring the world. Mexico was our most frequented destination, but Europe and the rest of the world were beckoning!
2001 found us in Thailand, and discovering a fascination with all things SE Asia
In 2007 we embarked on the trip that would change the course of our lives. We sold our house, stored our stuff, and headed out on a 14 month round-the-world backpacking trip. This trip forever changed us and the idea of a nomadic lifestyle fueled our souls, and brought us to where we are today…. preparing to embark on another epic adventure!
Anniversary 18 was spent climbing the highest sand dunes in the world to watch the sun rise ~ Namibia
As I scroll through this photo history of our lives together, several things are clear. We are happpiest out and about exploring the world, whether camping in our own back yard, or touring exotic lands. Although we love nature, in whatever form it appears, the beach is our happy place. And, finally, I seem unable to decide on any one hair style or color for any substantial length of time.
2010 ~ Celebrating 20 years in Puerto Vallarta, of course!
2014 found our little pack of four on a road trip throughout the West, testing out the camper and the dogs tolerance of full time life on the road. To say they embraced it with complete joy and acceptance is an understatement. In these final months before we hit the road, they are the least of our concerns.
The momentous 2015 began with a trip back to, big surprise, Mexico for Jims 50th birthday, and our first trip to the Copper Canyon.
The big day, itself, saw us back at Timothy Lake, the scene of many of our past anniversaries. Joined by friends for the first couple of nights, we ended the long weekend with one night on our own, luxuriating in the company of our little pack of four, the solitude and beauty of the lake, and a long evening around the campfire. Subjects were varied, but much of the discussion centered around our upcoming road trip, and life moving forward.
Our word for 2015 is transformation. As we transform our lives and hit the road once again, I am humbled by the fact that we are the fortunate ones. Our love has stood the test of time and is stronger than ever. Ever day I thank the good lord that Jim and I discovered each other so many years ago. Happy Anniversary darling. You are my best friend, my lover, my life. I can’t wait for the next 25!
Naw! You two are too cute 😀 Happy anniversary!
Thanks Emma!
Happy anniversary you guys. Love the photos so much!!
Thanks Kim. Love YOUR baby bump photo:) Hope you and Brian are doing great.
Rhonda, I love this! It was so lovely to take a stroll down memory lane with you and see how many incredible adventures you and Jim have had together over the last 25 years! I’ve no doubt the next 25 will be just as amazing! Much love to the both of you as you get ready to embark on another quarter of a century of love and adventure!
(Also, WOW to your wedding dress! Those puffed sleeves would make Anne of Green Gables hella jealous! 😉 )
haha… thanks Steph!!! Even though I was there :), it was fun to take a trip down memory lane. As for the dress, what you can’t even see in that picture is the 6foot train and veil! I just MAY have been channeling Princess Di.
What a sweet post, thanks for the photo flip of your lives together, I feel I got to know you a bit more. Cheers!
Thanks Patti~ interesting, isn’t it, how we have just a small part of ourselves out there in our present day, cyber friendships. It was fun to take a look back.
Hi Rhonda, I have been following you blog for some time now, but just have not commented before. Congratulations on 25 years together, your story together is well told by your photo selection and it is so interesting to see how you both changed and matured so well together. I am looking forward to your future adventures.
Hi Gilda, Thanks so much for reading and the lovely comment! Stay tuned, we’re excited for big changes as we hit the road this fall as the adventure continues.
Oh you two are so cute! Congratulations and thanks for sharing all those happy memories!
Thanks Emily! Funny to look back on the years 🙂
What a beautiful snapshot of your life together; it’s lovely to see how travel has been so interwoven with your life 🙂
Thank you Amy, a lovely way to phrase it. And yes, it does appear we’re a it addicted to travel 🙂
What a journey down memory lane! Hope the next 25 years of travel and marriage are just as epic!
Thanks Beth!! We’ll be leaving on our next grand adventure in a matter of months so I’m sure the story will continue to unfold into an amazing future.
Awesome post. Looking forward to meeting you guys soon!
Thanks 🙂 Yes yes yes…. hopefully we can make the next Portland Travel Bloggers meet up (well, probably not in July since we just sold our house and need to be out in 4 weeks!) but soon enough. Can’t wait to hear your stories from the road and what you’re feeling about being back.
Omg!! I LOVE these photos (and there are still more loading!). Happy, happy belated anniversay. 25 years is a huge achievement, being happy together is an even greater one!! You are both wonderful individuals, which makes you a great couple. So excited for your latest upcoming adventures xxx
Thanks Sarah!! Glad we could offer you a blast from our past. We, too, are very excited for the upcoming adventure 🙂
You guys are pretty awesome! 🙂
Thanks Jen! Will miss your smiling face at the office 🙂