Teton Dreams

The Teton Range is the birthplace of American Alpinism. The terrain, the culture, the history all lead to making the Tetons one of the great mountain ranges of the United States. The gem of the Tetons is the Grand Teton, one of the most famous mountains in the world. I've always wanted to climb this mountain, and now I finally had the chance. Additional photos on the Mountain Album Website.

Day 1 and 2: Climbing 16 miles, and 7,000 vertical feet on the Grand Teton! It was every bit as good as I hoped it would be. The classic view of the Grand Teton entering Grand Teton National Park.

Another view of Teewinot, Grand Teton, and Mount Owen.

Hiking up Garnet Canyon.

Reaching "The Meadows" campsite. Absolutely Stunning.

Hiking up to the Moraine campsite.

The lower saddle coming into view.

Now we've reached our campsite. Dead tired.

We slept through a storm at 2am, then woke up at 4am.

Hiking up the lower saddle.

Starting the technical climbing near Wall Street (ramp in the cliff ahead).

Exposed climbing on Wall Street.

After leading the Golden Staircase. What a view!

Resting and refueling.

Climbing to the Friction Pitch.

Climbing the top section of the Friction Pitch.

The remaining fourth of the climb. Superb terrain!

Climbing the V Pitch.

Summit ridge.

On the summit!

The first rappel down.

The second rappel down.

Walking home after a killer climb!!!





Day 3: Climbing Ice Point


We crossed over Jenny Lake, climbing around the initial waterfalls, and started up the snow couloir.


We reached the Ice Point - Symmetry Col and received an unbelievable view of the Cathedral Group.


The summit ridge. Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm.


On the summit.


The killer views from the summit.

1:59:16...

I can't believe I actually did it!! And in less than 2 hours!

In January, I decided one of my New Year's resolutions was going to be to run a half marathon. I've never run in a race before, let alone train for one. But, I started training back in January and with a lot of determination and hard work, I was able to complete my goal. It was so fun. I loved every minute of it, and this is just the beginning...I have caught the running bug, this is definitely not my last race.

Sprinting to the finish line...






Pointing to my time. Matt, Tanner, and Kate were right there next to the finish line, and I wanted to make sure they noticed. =) My mom was also there (thanks mom!), as was my wonderful in-laws, Nick, Cole, and Lauren (Matt's brothers and sister). It was great to have such support there cheering me on.


I couldn't be more grateful for such a supportive husband. When I told him I wanted to run a 1/2 marathon, he didn't once doubt my ability to do it. He had every reason to, as every other exercise thing I've started, I've never followed through with, but he was with me every step of the way, praising, encouraging, and motivating me. Thanks baby! I couldn't have done this without your support! Love you!


My inspiration! This is my dear friend Maggie, whom I grew up with in Texas. She ran her first half last year and totally inspired me to do this. Thanks Maggs! Love you too!! Just wish you could have run it with me. =( Here's hoping for Hobble Creek!

Tagged...

Andrea tagged me forever ago, so here goes...

Closet. Doesn't look too bad...


...until you get the bigger picture. =)


I think I was supposed to post a picture of my fridge, but I forgot to get one. Nothing too exciting anyway. I have a stainless steel fridge that doesn't have a magnetic finish, so we can't put anything on it, so all you would see is Kate's fingerprints.

Here is my favorite room. It is our playroom/kitchen. Just over the half-wall is our kitchen where we spend the majority if the time, if not in there, the playroom definitely comes in 2nd.




Here's what my kids are doing right now...

Tanner, playing with his trains.


Kate, reading Tanner's construction books (gotta love the older brother influence!)


And of course, Tapio, just taking it easy.


My lovely kitchen sink, I took these right after breakfast, so of course it isn't clean, but realistically, that's what it looks like anyway.


Laundry room. The day before was a nightmare, here I only have a few loads to fold. (I took these pictures on Friday, and it still looks exactly the same...maybe tomorrow!)


The shoe I wish was in my closet, she's a beauty isn't she!! Just wish she wasn't $225!


Our bathroom. Can you tell which side is mine and which side is Matt's. (Hint, he's the clean one...=))


Self-Portrait. I know I am one hot mama huh! This was right after my morning run, I don't always look this lovely. =)


And I tag...Hadley, Brynn, Jessica P., Holly H., and Paige.

Please answer my poll....

...I'm dying to know what people thought of Breaking Dawn. I LOVED it!! I won't say anything about it since I realize some of you haven't finished it yet, but I'm interested to know what you all thought.