It's a little unclear on when and where we first met, but I think this is the first picture we are in together, other than our AWANA camp picture. I knew his sister Sarah for a long time, because we did piano together, but we weren't really aware of each other until he started coming to my AWANA club. Once we started talking it became clear, at least to me, that he was a pretty cool guy. Eventually I began attending his church for college group, and it became pretty regular that I came to his house after (usually dragging Olivia with me). Soon after, that turned into Olivia and I attending weekly family dinners, which my Mom referred to as me "Dating his family".

If you ask us when we officially started dating, we'll probably give you two different answers. We've embarrassed ourselves quite a few times by giving different answers at the same time, so at this point, Josh usually just lets me answer. But honestly, I'm still not sure when we became official. I remember, probably around November of 2022 thinking we'd had a DTR (define the relationship) talk on the way home from family dinner, but Josh was determined to talk to my Dad. So, while I thought we were dating, and was telling my friends we were, he was still friend-zoning himself. To top it all off, Dad broke his collarbone right when Josh was hoping to take him out to coffee and ask, so it got stalled out a little longer. Josh officially asked my Dad if he could date me on July 22, 2023. Of course, Dad already really liked Josh, so he said yes. Since then, we've had some time to improve our communication skills, and I'm happy to say they've most definitely gotten better.

Josh took his career as an electrician very seriously even before we were official, and has been working long, hard hours, as well as attending classes. I started out at a daycare, hoping to hone in my childcare skills, but had to switch gears in July 2024, and since then I've been working at Scheels. Even with all the chaos in both of our lives, we've had time to do all sorts of fun things together. Six Flags trips have been highlights of our summers, as well as various camping trips, and even a bluegrass festival we attended in January last year. We can't wait to continue our careers together, and to prepare for the family we hope to have.

As most of you know, Josh proposed on a conveniently planned Disneyland trip. The timing worked out beautifully and he was amazing (of course). He and Olivia came up with the perfect plan, and it honestly couldn't have been better. I will always cherish the beautiful pictures, and memories we have from that day. Engagement has been really sweet, and we are so thankful for this time together, but we also can't wait to get married! Thank you for everyone planning on celebrating our special day with us, we can't wait to see you there!