Kara and I first met in 2018, but it was over a year before I asked her out. She said yes then blushed and ran away, as I stood there dirty and sweaty from a lengthy day of work.

It wasn't long before I knew this was something special. After we said "I love you" talk of marriage and living together shortly followed. Covid lockdowns came next, and it felt like we lived so many years of a relationship in such a short, bizzare time. And there is no one I would've rather had at my side while playing Dr. Mario or Boggle , having Ikea hot dog dates in the car, or FaceWine with friends.

We've been fortunate enough to have traveled some, but man do we hope to do a whole lot more in the future. From cityscapes to mountainscapes, let's please not do anymore 7am flights.

Our family has grown over the years, with cats Jack and Lottie, as well as our dreams of having nothing short of a personal petting zoo constantly on our minds.

We look forward to making a home together here in Chicago and enjoying what the future may bring. And I can't wait.