As most of you know we met at pool leagues. Got to know each other over quite a few phone conversations before our first official date on New Year's Eve. It was a huge success and we have been together ever since.

Todd is from a small family with two siblings and five nieces and nephews. In joining Pam's family 18 years ago, he jumped from no kids to 15 grandkids, and they have added 15 great grandkids! The biggest challenge was learning all the names and relationships of the sprawling Van Vleet clan.

Of course, pets are family too. We love our new three-cat family as much as the three who moved to Lino Lakes with us and remain in our hearts and memories. Family on both sides own dogs and we love them all as well.

Music is a big part of life and a huge part of our life. We both love music and going to concerts. He is more of a guitar and drums kind of guy while she loves the sound of a saxophone but also the drums. Since we have a couple of drummers in the family what's not to love about a great drum lick. Neither of us plays an instrument, but we have played the heck out of the stereo. We support live music at local shows and on road trips. Selections from the home collection are a constant campside companion. The big bonus is that Pam welcomes and enjoys Todd's non-radio oriented music tastes (well, mostly).

The other big bonus is she's a "sports chick." She keeps a great track on the schedules and records all the games when we can't watch live. Todd grew up in Lombardi-era Milwaukee and was there when the Brewers and Bucks were born. He has been in the Twin Cities throughout the Timberwolves travails and was happy to be a fan for the Twins' championships. She's purple through and through and totally Twins red, white and blue. The Packer-Brewer-Badger-Bucks guy and Viking-Twins-Gopher-Wolves gal have melded to enjoy, cheer and be heartbroken for all eight and not break into fights over Border Battles.

We have continued the decades long stand of the Dennie greeters at Olson's campground and are now in our third summer escape home. Somehow we have escaped the trauma and damage from storm-ravaged trees falling around us. We also still enjoy tent camping...er, glamping...every other year or so.

Wisconsin Dells is a favorite spot for such camping, glamping or hotelling...whatever. It's our go-to getaway for beer-fests, wineries, mini-golf, nature, memories and nostalgia. Todd's interest in history has brought us to many museums and historic sites where she enjoys learning more with guidance from her college grad.

We both have loving families, and we are very happy to be blending them together on this day.

P&T