This Guy I Met

Long story short, 9 years ago today I met this pretty awesome guy at a 4th of July Slip'n'Slide party. Two of my besties were there with me, Tam & Sara. We were totally out of place, but we were having a good time. I noticed this guy in a white t-shirt. I kept trying to talk to him, but he was quiet.  His friend*, Zach, kept talking to me and the guy I had my eye on just listened.

It was about time to leave for fireworks and we were walking back to the car. I told my friends I had to go back and get his number.  Clearly I had some liquid courage to help with this reasoning. Luckily, my girlfriends were supportive.

We walked back to the party and he was sitting in a big circle so it would have been awkward to ask for his number. All of a sudden he got up. Tam and Sara got to him first and explained that I thought he was cute and invited him to go see fireworks with us. He said yes! If you ask Chris, he will say it was beyond obvious that I was coming for him so he left the circle to talk to me. I didn't think I was that obvious, but I got what I wanted. :)

Our first photo together at the Union in Madison

1 year anniversary trip to Chicago

The ironic thing was I wasn't looking for anything serious. I was leaving for a semester in Spain in a month and a half. I really didn't want to fall for some guy before I left. Of course, I did. We did long distance from Spain to WI, Milwaukee to Madison, and Milwaukee to Minneapolis. Once I graduated from MU, I joined him in MN and we have been together ever since.

Rose Garden near Lake Harriet in MPLS

4th of July Parade in St. Joe's MN - a few weeks before he proposed

Wedding Day - photos at the Union of course!

Since we have been together a while and I was pretty young when we met, all of my girlfriends know him really well. I would say they all like him too. (He had to win over, Kate, my protective friend, but he did.)  So if I ever call to complain about him, they side with him sometimes. It's a little frustrating, but it makes me smile.

Camping and Hiking in the Porkies UP of  MI

Badger vs Gopher Hockey Game

East Coast Trip for Nick and Kerin's Wedding

I feel very lucky and happy to be with someone that can make me so happy and also drive me crazy at times. I'm really excited for our next adventure. I've know since the summer of 2004 he was great with kids and would make an excellent father.

Celebration of Excellence Awards - Chris has 2 teaching awards and I only have 1.

Parc Ciutadella in BCN

Our next adventure - a little late on the upload

*Zach is a great guy and I would say he is our friend now. He picked a really awesome wife, Nicky, who is a great friend too!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!! For many good reasons it is one of my most favorite holidays!