Brian & Heather both love dogs. This was learned a little bit later in their meeting.

Brian signed up to volunteer at the Sustainability Festival hosted by a local non-profit, the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI), located at a nature center, where Heather works. The summer event showcased local vendors and their work in the areas of energy, water, waste, food, health and environment. Live music played throughout the event. After helping with set up, Brian wandered the newly found nature center grounds, perused the seedling nursery and enjoyed the general ambiance.

He noticed Heather and inquired about the seedlings in the nursery. They struck up a conversation talking about trees, their interests, and enjoyed the atmosphere together.

Once the event was wrapping up, Heather commented that she was taking care of some dogs for the week. She had recently been quiet the dog watcher. Brian suggested a doggie play date with his dog Moco, but Heather already had plans. They exchanged numbers and went their own ways.

Shortly, thereafter, a date was requested and accepted. Heather and Brian met up for dinner and a night out on the town. Time stopped as they discussed everything under the sun, ate food, listened to live music, just getting to know one another. A second date was made...

Heather met Moco, and appreciated Brian's unveiled expressions of kindness and affection toward his four legged friend. Brian's quiet reserve in groups dissipated with his fearless friend by his side. Moco instantly approved of Heather.

(An interesting twist to their story is that about 6 month prior on a hike, Heather's friend Hilary had been telling her that she had a physical therapy patient who struck her as someone who would be of interest and that she wished she could arrange a meeting. Unfortunately, there wasn't really a good way to do that as that would be breaking privacy rules so they laughed about it and went on with their hike.)

On this second date, Heather and Brian realized that Heather's friend Hilary treated Brian in physical therapy and Heather realized this was the patient from that conversation 6 months prior. Hilary was right, Brian was interesting... and no additional bones or privacy rules had to be broken to meet.

Moco's fearlessness and love for anything outside allowed for many opportunities for Brian and Heather and Moco to do things together. Brian and Heather learned quickly that they enjoyed spending time together and were grateful for one another.

It was very natural sharing adventuring opportunities, making meals after work, gardening, farming, traveling and Moco was right there in all of it.

---

December 22nd, 2015 (also Heather's Birthday):

On the top of a mountain, after an afternoon of cross country skiing, Brian got down on one ski, with a ring in hand, and proposed. He proposed to "spend the rest of our lives together sharing adventures". Heather said YES!

We (and for as many years as possible Moco too) look forward to continuing to live, love, learn, grow and share in life, while enjoying the present and looking forward to what the future holds.

It is with gratitude in our hearts that we share our marriage with you.

With Love,

Heather & Brian (& Moco too)