Ricky and Kate met in Junior High. They both were on the school’s shot-put and discus team. One day Kate was asked by their coach to show the guys how to throw a discus. She picked up the guy’s discus and threw it further than any of the boys. Ricky has never forgotten that moment, and Kate doesn’t let him!

Kate and Ricky both found themselves living back in Portland after life had put some twists in their journeys. Kate was working for the Hooks baseball team part time and was finishing up her first year of teaching in Odem. They reconnected through Facebook and started hanging out, going to the movies, going to dinner, and just hanging out on Ricky’s tailgate. Despite Kate’s efforts(she would pay for herself) to not date Ricky... he won her over after taking her to see the Circus in town. They started officially dating June 15, 2012.

Ricky proposed on September 6, 2017 when Kate, Ricky, and Bella were all finally reunited in their home after Hurricane Harvey hit. Ricky had a big plan in place, but the hurricane ruined it like many other things. After weeks of working almost 24/7 Ricky was home and couldn’t wait any longer. He got down on one knee in the house they had already made their home and asked Kate to be his and Bella’s forever. She of course said yes... and cried.