Our first picture together! 12 days into officially dating, Marshall bravely agreed to a group outing to IKEA with some of Kendall’s friends, where he learned that saying “hedge” anytime he sees “hej” on a sign will forever make Kendall look around for an indoor shrubbery.

Choosing to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day together early, we went on a hike in the Flat Irons in Boulder. While looking at the GPS to get back to Fort Collins, Kendall spotted a Marshall Mesa on the map, and we made a quick stop for a second hike. We are still convinced we narrowly missed seeing a mountain lion which they think they saw one ridge away, and Marshall learned about Kendall’s affinity for cheesy documentarian pictures (as seen here).

Though it was too dark to see in the selfie, this photo was taken at the peak of Horsetooth Rock — our first of many night-hikes.

As soon as the trails were clear enough, hiking became a staple in our relationship. It’s still our go-to activity!

The biggest hike we tackled together was Grey Rock! We unintentionally matched hoodies (EMS 20/20 has remained a favorite shared podcast), and had a lovely time snacking in a small nook in the rocks that offered shelter from the wind.

A beautiful representation of Marshall’s journey to acceptance as his newfound role as a cat dad :)

We celebrated our three month anniversary by dissecting a cow heart. Weird? Maybe. The most on-brand date night we’ve had? Quite possibly. Shout outs to our ever favorite sister-in-law, Molly, for having organ meats from a cow share, and to DJ for providing the scalpals!

The beautiful end of our first outdoor climbing adventure! After several hours spent climbing at Duncan’s Ridge, we fulfilled another one of our trends; Marshall began wrapping up logistics (coiling ropes), and Kendall ensured they had a photographic record of the event.

Our first multiday camping trip! It was so restful. Books were read, sunburns were acquired, and a new favorite Colorado destination was discovered for us both.

On this date, we went on what remains to be the most eventful hike we’ve ever completed. Once again, the matching EMS 20/20 merch was present for our encounters with a downpour and thunderstorm during which we hunkered into the rocks and ate rice cakes, Kendall nearly running over a rattlesnake, the trail that didn’t look like a trail, and spiders and a possible bat in some overhanging branches. This is the only time either of us has ever questioned “are we there yet?” on our way back to the car.

Our first wedding together! We had so much fun dancing and celebrating our friends, DJ (Marshall’s groomsman) and Rachel (our amazing engagement photographer).

The first self-timer picture from the first time we hiked Palisade Mountain together. It’s a gorgeous view and a fun scramble, AND (several months later) where Marshall planned on proposing to Kendall! …Until our hike got snowed out.