Alex and Erik finally met in person in January of 2023 after two attempts to take their connection offline over the course of three years. With a little luck from the dating algorithm gods, and timing finally being right for both of them, the third try was the charm. Four hours into the first date, and they both knew there was something good there. So did the bride's sister and her husband, who thought it would be fun to surprise them by sitting at the bar across the room. A few months later they booked a trip to Mexico for each of their first vacations in years and had a fabulous time exploring Chichenitza, Cozumel, and 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Shortly after their return, Erik asked to join Alex and family on their trip to South Korea for the wedding of their adopted brother David. Erik often jokes he actually traveled to the other side of the world for Alex. They moved in together in fall of 2023, 9 short months after meeting. Alex convinced Erik to leave St. Paul and come to the west side, with much protest, and with plans of going even further west. Alex tried to surprise Erik with a dog for Christmas, and spilled the beans early because she needed a ride to the airport. Sturgill the sheepadoodle from Spokane became the team mascot and the first of the boys they'd bring home. A little out of the normal order of things, Alex and Erik joyfully welcomed their son Charlie into the world on January 3, 2025. A long time dream for both of them, to start a family, was finally happening. On January 20th, 2025, the second anniversary of their first date, Erik proposed to Alex in their home after a romantic dinner of their favorite Chinese takeout with Charlie and Sturgill in attendance. Alex eagerly said yes.