While many aspects of our community shut down in March of 2020, Katelyn and her neighbors decided that we would have their own little "pod". Most folks were working from home and kids were attending school virtually. While everyone was limited in their interactions and activities with others, our neighbors banded together to help keep our kids- and ourselves- sane! Outdoor gatherings became a regular occurrence several times a week- whether it was just sitting in the driveway relaxing while the kids ran around and played, campfires, or cookouts.

Katelyn's neighbor, Tim, started inviting his best friend, Jeremy, out to our get-togethers, which Jeremy gladly joined. On the July 4th holiday, Katelyn found herself, for the first time as a mother, without her kids for a few days, as they were spending time with their father. The neighborhood group + Jeremy planned a range day outing, cookout, campfire, and fireworks that weekend. A few of our neighbors also had motorcycles, including Jeremy, so they also offered to take Katelyn on a ride with them out to Holy Hill. It was her first ride on a motorcycle ever. But she was in good hands with experienced riders. It was a blast and got her hooked.

A few weeks later, we were supposed to go on another group ride, but the neighbors bailed, so Jeremy took Katelyn for a ride out through the driftless region and to Bob's Bitchin' BBQ in Dodgeville. They came back to a neighborhood driveway get-together, wearing matching shirts from the BBQ joint and the rest is history!

Alex and Jeremiah love Jeremy and he them. Having a positive male role model in their daily life has been such a blessing for them. Jeremy and the boys have a "man night" when Katelyn goes to her orchestra rehearsals and they all look forward to these special nights where the guys can just be guys- from playing games to running "experiments" that would make Katelyn too stressed out if she were present (ie. they once took an air compressor to a fidget spinner to see how fast it could go... let's just say we're lucky we don't have a broken window in the garage!). Despite her blood pressure, she is glad for the boys to have someone to just be boys with!

In May 2024, Jeremy orchestrated his proposal to Katelyn. Alex had been duly practicing the next song in his book on his recorder, which happened to be "The Wedding March". He had said that no one could get married before he mastered the piece. We went over to Katelyn's parents' house one evening for dinner and Alex brought his recorder to put on a concert. Of the three pieces he played, one was The Wedding March. After he performed the piece, Jeremy said, "Well, bud, looks like you've mastered that piece so now Momma and I can get married, huh?" And he got down on one knee and proposed to Katelyn in front of the boys and her parents. It was certainly a proposal to remember! Alex especially felt so special being a part of it!

On June 20th, Jeremy and Katelyn exchanged vows and enjoyed their honeymoon in Las Vegas. It was a wonderful experience!

It was important to Jeremy and Katelyn to have an intimate ceremony where they could focus just on themselves and their commitment to each other. However, they also recognize it is important to acknowledge the family they've become with the boys and their dear loved ones. Hence the celebration!

Jeremy and Katelyn are so grateful for everyone's love and support of them as a couple and individually over the years. Thank you for taking the time to check out the website, enjoy the pictures and story, and let them know whether you will join them on August 10th!