Our story begins on a website, like so many others in the modern age, called "Hinge". Most online dating is pretty clinical with just a swipe left or right. However, both of us paused and decided to take those first steps toward meeting each other. After a few weeks of jokes, banter, and the many "getting to know you" questions we decided officially meet at the Beanerie in Ashland. It was awkward! It was fun! Above all it was endearing. Since that very first date in mid-May 2022, the greatest adventure of our lives continues in earnest.

Kansas City

Early in our relationship, Allison asked if we would go on a weekend trip to Kansas City. The main event was a fun run called Foam Glow. Bubbles, UV lights, dancing, and music along a 5k route. Suffice it to say, Foam Glow was a unique experience unlike anything we had done before. However, it wasn't the most important. In any lasting relationship, couples eventually say "I love you". How great that it happened on such a memorable and unique trip.

Minnesota

The year passed quickly. We made it through the holidays and the awkward shuffle of which family we celebrate with for those holidays. Allison moved from her apartment to our home in Omaha. We even planned a trip to visit Minnesota, which didn’t go exactly to plan. We had planned on going through Duluth to Voyageurs National Park then back to Minneapolis. The weather had other ideas. Even though it rained in Duluth, capsized our canoe in Voyageurs, and even got a flat tire in northern Iowa, it was a memorable trip. We were tired, frustrated, and it seemed like every plan we made backfired, but we made the best of every situation. Honestly, I don’t think either of us could have made it without each other.

Smiles and swears

Two years of enjoying our lives together lead to that next fateful step. Making a ring , asking permission, getting a reservation at a restaurant, and asking friends to memorialize such an event are easy. Asking an important question is another matter, but it made July 5th the day to remember. Allison had no idea what was coming, and most words escaped her when Thomas knelt next to the potatoes growing beside the backyard deck. Surprise flushed across her face. The most important word uttered, rather than the other words associated with shock and surprise, was an emphatic yes!