Santa Barbara Middle School (SBMS) was where it all started.

In October of 2018, Michael returned to Santa Barbara to visit friends and his alma mater middle school. Alex had recently been hired by SBMS, her alma mater, and was the newest team member.

In the midst of the chaotic trip preparations, Alex needed an extra hand. She pawned off a coffee cup to Michael so she could focus elsewhere. Little did she know it was just the beginning.

The remainder of the school trip, Alex and Michael, were bonding on mountaintops dripping in sweat, skipping to the campfire in the evening, packing trailers, and so much more. They drove back to Santa Barbara in separate school vans, and the texting began....

After a month of texting non-stop, Alex invited Michael to visit. Conveniently, there was always an after-trip “slideshow." Alex invited Michael down to Santa Barbara to stay with her so they could attend the movie together.

It was apparent that their relationship was imminent. It was only a matter of meeting the parents and friends.

Alex had always been skeptical about long-distance relationships, but this Pacific North Westerner was obviously worth it.

During this time, they spent countless hours communicating, and finding their way back together. It was a “spring break” road trip in Oregon that solidified it all.

Alex asked Michael to move to SB, and by April 2019, Michael had packed up his Subaru and driven himself down to the Reyner ranch.

Michael had convinced his employer, McKinstry, to drop him down to 32 hours and let him move to Santa Barbara. He joined Alex, working part-time at Santa Barbara Middle School.

They lived at the Reyner Ranch enjoying the California sun and strengthening their connection. However, they always missed the greenery of the PNW. The conversation about moving to Seattle turned into a reality. In November 2019, Alex and Michael packed up the U-Haul and headed North to Bainbridge Island, WA.

Michael’s parents offered their guest house on Bainbridge Island to help out while Alex went on the job hunt. Michael returned to full-time at McKinstry. A few months later, the pandemic hit, and they timed it perfectly. With easy access to hiking trails, the Bainbridge Cottage was the ultimate work-from-home setting. The Bainbridge era came to an end when Alex found a full-time position in Seattle.

Alex, Michael, and Bash (6-year-old dog) have been living happily in Burien, (Seattle area,) since Sept 2021. Michael still works for McKinstry; Alex is pursuing her Master's in Teaching, and they are loving every single day.

On December 30th, 2022, Michael returned to the 'beginning' with a letter reminiscent of their long-distance relationship. On a cozy PNW winter night, Michael dropped to one knee. Alex smiled at his tie-dyed shirt and tears rimmed her eyes, blurring the lights of the tree.

They were engaged!