We first crossed paths in our principles of biology classes during our freshman year at Linfield College. It wasn't until later in our college careers that mutual friends brought us together. We were both athletes, studied biology, and attended many of the same social gatherings (along with the rest of the student body). The foundation of our relationship was a strong friendship that came from struggling over the same course materials, bonding over a cold drink on a hot spring day, and playing games outside of class. To this day, we have a running tally of our cribbage matches. It is pretty even. We would often get together to cook meals and on Fridays in the springtime we would barbeque burgers on the grill with friends at Pike. We started dating during our last semester at Linfield and were ecstatic to graduate and start a new chapter in our lives together. Post-graduation Anna attended nursing school in Portland while I moved back to my hometown of Astoria. I would commute to Portland every other week to break the monotony of studying as well as to cook and clean. In Portland, we enjoyed great food, bars, concerts, Blazers games, and long walks through the city. During school breaks, we would enjoy adventures like hiking, camping, and boating with Rick and Sue. Post-nursing school, we celebrated with friends and family at the KOA campground in Astoria where we had a memorable night of karaoke. We moved to Bellingham for fresh scenery and to explore the many tastes the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We continue to hike and camp and explore the beautiful San Juan Islands along with our furry friend, Zuni. We also purchased our own sea kayaks and learned how to ski together! Most recently, we moved to Spokane as I work to complete my medical laboratory technician degree. Our friendship turned into a partnership and we have never looked back. We continue to do most things together and we look forward to all our future adventures.

To alleviate the stress and pressure that one can feel when finding, a ring, planning a proposal, etc. we decided to do it together. Since we've been Team Anna & Will for the past 3 years, it just felt right. In the midst of phase two of the COVID-19 pandemic we decided it was officially time to get real. On one of our first outings we happened to meander into local jeweler where we found the perfect symbol of our relationship coming together and growing during the pandemic. A local, beautifully hand carved ring with the Pacific Coast Native American story of the mischievous raven who stole the sun from his grandfather and brought light to the world during darkness. We thought, very fitting for getting engaged in the middle of a pandemic! In true Team Anna & Will fashion, we decided to embark on a journey to Orcas Island for the weekend and return engaged. We hiked up Mt. Constitution and marveled at the islands we could see from the top. On our hike down, we stopped at Little Summit to enjoy a snack and a trail beer. The view was spectacular, we could see the islands, Mt. Baker, the Olympic mountains, and even Mt. Ranier! After some casual conversation about the weather, it was time to address the elephant in Will's pocket (no, not that one, get your mind out of the gutter!). Will stealthily "hid" the ring, still in the box, in the pocket of his shorts, totally visible and not sneaky at all. I knew it was coming but all I could think about was the sharp rocks I didn't want him to kneel on and why were we still talking about the weather?! Which is what I told him. Then he chuckled, maneuvered to a more comfortable kneeling position, took my hand, asked me to be his teammate for the rest of his life, and I said yes! Throughout this whole endeavor, Zuni was so excited and barked the entire time, her two favorite people, getting married!