Because we know that every story has 2 sides...
Heather's Version
We almost swiped left. Were we too different? He seemed like a fish guy. And I had a hardfast no fish guy rule. I wasn't into fishing. What would I have in common with someone like that? Oh and I got seasick. It would never work.
But I read his profile. And I loved his wit. And that mullet...You do not see dudes rockin' mullets these days. Who was this witty mullet cowboy? I had to know.
I swiped right. And our story began, just like that: September 18, 2023 with me reaching out to him first to say "hello" and "tell me your story."
Little did we both know that each of our stories would start weaving into our story. And not just the two of us.
Travis had Gus and Lorie Dog and I had Olivia and Isabella.
When we met I said, "I just want you to know that I'm not getting re-married." And he said, "I'm just happy that we are together, married or not."
Travis and I grew together and as our family grew together as one beautiful unit, we both felt something was missing.
You see, Travis and I are ooey gooey mushy folks at heart. We had both been married before and to us marriage now feels very different from marriage before. Marriage before looked more like "Okay I guess this is what we do now. It's the next step, better check that one off." Not to say we didn't love our past loves. We did. And that was where we were for that place and time.
Today, Travis, Gus, Me, Olivia, Isabella and Lorie Dog have formed a family.
We love one another. We have a bond together that we want to celebrate and share with others who know us or not.
And so we chose marriage. Because to us, this is what feels very right.
Travis' Version:
Her profile just says “into brain science?” That’s vague. She’s hot though. Let’s look at these pics. Cool, cool, these are good… is that the World Trade Center in the background of that one? That’s an odd thing to put on a dating profile. Must have really affected her. I wonder if she’s from New York. Man, I don’t know if we have anything in common. I’m a fish guy. She’s a brain science, 9/11, New Yorker person. She’s not going to want to fish or be on boats. She doesn’t look too knot-savvy. How old would she have been in that photo? Looking at it again, the building sorta looks different. The sides slope inward in as it rises. That’s… not the World Trade Center, that’s the Washington Monument, recently. That makes a lot more sense. And she’s hot. swipe ->
This was my inner monologue coming across Heather’s dating profile. I am not a smart man, but I know what love is.
Whichever version you like <3
Thank you for sharing this continual unifying of our family!
We love you very much.
Heather & Travis
Traveling to Terlingua:
Flying into Midland International Air and Space and Renting a Car to Drive to Terlingua
Lots of Great Options through Here! Immediate family have rooms booked at The Perry Mansion.
Mel is our lovely friend who has an incredible cabin and tents just a few minutes from the church! Anyone who get's to stay in Mel's cabin is one lucky couple. Adults only at Mel's place.
Book your lodging at The Lodge! Hotel rooms & condos available! The lodge is the same location as The Cypress Falls Event Center.
Starlight Theatre - 4.6 km / 2.8 mi
Big Bend Library - 6.5 km / 4 mi
Many Stones - 8.6 km / 5.4 mi
Big Bend National Park - 8.8 km / 5.5 mi
Big Bend Ranch State Park - 17.9 km / 11.1 mi
Barton Warnock Visitor Center - 21 km / 13 mi
Mesa de Anguilla - 21.5 km / 13.4 mi
Rio Grande - 31.7 km / 19.7 mi
Santa Elena Canyon - 31.7 km / 19.7 mi
West Contrabando Trailhead - 33.1 km / 20.6 mi
Homer Wilson Ranch - 36.4 km / 22.6 mi
Castolon Visitor Center - 43.3 km / 26.9 mi
Lost Mine Peak - 43.5 km / 27.1 mi
Outlaw Flats - 43.7 km / 27.2 mi
Sand Slide - 43.7 km / 27.2 mi
Big Bend Library - 3.7 km / 2.3 mi
Many Stones - 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
Big Bend National Park - 6.1 km / 3.8 mi
Starlight Theatre - 7.2 km / 4.4 mi
Barton Warnock Visitor Center - 23.8 km / 14.8 mi
Santa Elena Canyon - 29 km / 18 mi
Homer Wilson Ranch - 33.6 km / 20.9 mi
Rio Grande - 35.2 km / 21.9 mi
West Contrabando Trailhead - 36 km / 22.3 mi
Sand Slide - 41 km / 25.5 mi
Outlaw Flats - 41 km / 25.5 mi
Panther Junction Visitor Center - 41 km / 25.5 mi
Panther Path Trail - 42 km / 26.1 mi
Chisos Basin Visitor Center - 46.1 km / 28.7 mi
Window Trail Trailhead - 46.2 km / 28.7 mi
Lots of cool glamping options such as Luxury Caves & Stargazing domes
Hey y’all!
We’re so excited to celebrate with everyone out in Terlingua. For many people, this will be their first time visiting Big Bend Country, and it’s honestly one of the most unique and beautiful regions in Texas.
Big Bend National Park alone is over 800,000 acres — larger than the entire state of Rhode Island — and the surrounding region is incredibly remote, rugged, and scenic. Distances are bigger than they look on the map, cell service is limited, and that’s part of what makes the area so special.
Below are some of our favorite things to do while you’re here, ranging from local Terlingua spots to bigger day-trip adventures.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Drive Time: Local
Historic mining ruins, desert views, live music, restaurants, bars, and one of the best sunset spots in Texas.
Highlights:
Starlight Theatre
Terlingua Trading Company
Historic cemetery
Live music most evenings
Santa Elena Canyon
Drive Time: ~40 minutes
One of the most iconic spots in Big Bend National Park. Massive canyon walls rise straight up from the Rio Grande.
What to Expect:
Short, easy hike
Incredible views
Great photo spot
Can involve shallow water crossing depending on river level
Chisos Basin & The Window Trail
Drive Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Beautiful mountain area in the center of Big Bend National Park with cooler temperatures and incredible scenery.
What to Expect:
Mountain views and wildlife
Chisos Basin Lodge & visitor center
Popular hiking trails
Cooler weather than the desert below
The Window Trail: Moderate hike with amazing views.
Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico
Drive Time: ~1–1.25 hours
A tiny Mexican village across the Rio Grande from Big Bend.
Important:
Passport required
Border crossing hours are limited
Cash recommended
What to Expect:
Small restaurants and bars
Handmade crafts
Unique cultural experience
Boquillas Hot Springs
Drive Time: ~1–1.25 hours
Natural hot springs right along the Rio Grande inside the park.
What to Expect:
Warm spring pools
River views
Historic ruins nearby
Great relaxing stop after hiking
Lajitas, Dom Rock & FM 170 Scenic Drive
Drive Time: ~20 minutes to Lajitas
The drive from Lajitas to Presidio is considered one of the most scenic roads in Texas.
What to Expect:
Stunning desert and river views
Scenic overlooks
Curvy mountain roads
Great casual sightseeing trip
Worth stopping at:
Lajitas
Dom Rock
Big Hill Overlook
Closed Canyon Trail
Closed Canyon Trail
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Short and beautiful slot canyon hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
What to Expect:
Narrow canyon walls
Easier hike
Good family-friendly option
Balanced Rock Trail
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
Classic Big Bend hike leading to a huge naturally balanced boulder.
Important:
Rough dirt road access
Better with higher-clearance vehicles
Bring lots of water
Indian Head Trail
Drive Time: Local
A quieter local desert trail with classic Big Bend scenery, petroglyphs, and great views.
What to Expect:
Easy hike
Petroglyphs and rock formations
Generally doable with a stroller
Great sunrise or sunset option
Stargazing
Drive Time: Anywhere outside town lights
Big Bend is one of the darkest regions in North America and the night sky here is incredible.
Tip: Bring a chair or blanket and just look up.
Food & Drink Favorites
Starlight Theatre
Historic restaurant/bar with live music.
Taqueria El Milagro
Excellent tacos and casual food.
DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ
Great local BBQ.
Espresso y Poco Mas
Breakfast and coffee favorite.
Good Things to Know
Cell service is limited
Gas stations are sparse — fuel up early
Bring more water than you think you need
Desert heat can be intense even in spring
Roads are very dark at night — drive carefully
Big Bend National Park requires an entrance fee