A lot of change can happen in a small amount of time - something Clayton and Sammy Jo both got the opportunity to experience over the last year. The couple's relationship began in a professional manner as they coach the high school girl’s basketball team together. As the two worked together, they became close friends over the summer and early fall. K-State football, board game nights, church, and many more events were scattered throughout the beginning part of their friendship.

As the fall progressed, deeper feelings began to develop between them. After much thought, many prayers, and a few in depth conversations the couple decided to enter into an official relationship. The young relationship flourished quickly as the two built upon the foundation they had crafted as friends and grew to love each other more and more. The first major event in the couples’ relationship was a spring break road trip to pick up a tractor hood for Sammy Jo’s dad. On the first day of break, Clayton and Sammy Jo jumped in a pickup and headed Southeast. The trip consisted of exploring Memphis, taking a scenic drive through Mississippi and Alabama, and visiting friends at the ocean in Tallahassee. They finally headed north and picked up the tractor hood in Poulan, Georgia. On the way home, they spent one night on Broadway in Nashville and played a round of disc golf in Missouri before making it back home to deliver Randy’s sparkling new tractor hood. Many people asked about the fights we had along the way, but in fact there were none to be found. The nearly 2,500 miles and 40 hours of driving were filled with conversations about preferences, interests, the Bible, and the possibilities of a future together.

Flash forward to the middle of May as the couple prepared to go on their next trip; this time to see the mountains of Wyoming and visit a family friend’s ranch for his calf branding with Clayton’s parents. After a dinner with Sammy Jo’s family the night before the trip, Clayton stayed behind to shakily ask Randy and Cindy for their blessing.

Three days later, on May 20th, the two spent the day hiking in Grand Teton National Park. After taking a boat across Jenny Lake and visiting the hidden falls, they continued their ascent to Inspiration Point. On an isolated boulder overlooking Jenny Lake, Clayton got down on one knee to ask Sammy Jo to marry him (this happened to be the same day that Sammy Jo’s parents got engaged in 1990!). The two spent the rest of this trip making phone calls to family and friends, celebrating, visiting Yellowstone, and helping with the branding in Meeteetse, Wyoming.

Time since that point has flown by. Sammy Jo has started a new job, Clayton and Sammy Jo have been busy helping on the ranch/farm, and wedding planning has been in full swing. In spite of their busy schedules, Clayton and Sammy Jo have had the opportunity to spend quality time together and to work towards fostering a foundation of faith, compassion, and love. The two look forward to continuing to grow within their relationship as they begin their new roles of husband and wife.

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