"At work," just isn't a good enough story :) "We met there, but learned the best of eachothers qualities because we worked together." Amanda learned that Michael is fiercely loyal to the things he believes in, gives 200%, and loves to make others smile. His charm and wit is what first captured Amanda's attention. Michael found Amanda's determination and sass attractive, thinking she might be the person that grows old with him. Together, they defied a lot of the initial doubts others had. They exchanged worry over age differences for an opportunity to learn from eachother. While Amanda began to see and experience wonderful firsts like cheesecake, bleu cheese, Spotted Cow, and a Wisconsinite proper brandy old fashioned, Michael was relearning how the simple things can bring so much joy. Together, they were surprised with the two best gifts the universe could offer. "Our combined commitment to be the best version of ourselves was both for our independent growth and for our children, and it continues bring us even closer together. "We didn't know, but the simple work banter over young love would evolve into a lifetime kind of love..one that embraces challenge, conquers together and sweetens with each passing day."

While Amanda grew up in rural Pennsylvania (Hatboro and Quakertown,) her visits to WI left her always longing to return. She believed in the ON Wisconsin mentality and loved the grit of midwest life. And who could resist the cheese, beer and wine? (N.o.b.o.d.y) Mike loved the passion he and Amanda shared for his homestate. "When we were just expecting parents, we often dreamt about the prospect of raising our children in Wisconsin - farmhouse with goats and chickens and kids that would shovel the long driveway... it was a peaceful and magical dream. " That dream became a reality with a job opportunity in Sun Prairie. Two barely newborn infants, the best dog a man could ask for, a stuffed haul and a 2006 mini van booked it...quickly...across country from VA to Michael's homeland. "We celebrated kids birthdays, holidays, FALL, apple days, and frequented the lake. We hiked. We played in snow. We toured the capital. We played with the animals at Merrimac Elementary. We loved being with family and growing where our hearts felt fullest. To this day, we are eager to make that trip again, to be surrounded by family and, to pick up our midwest dream where we last left off."

Surrounded by the most beautiful atmosphere and scenery, Michael asked Amanda to spend their lives together. "Throwing tradition aside, no ring in hand, and in the purest spur of the moment, our night could not have been more perfect. We celebrated with delectable dining and drinks at Ishnala, where we will later host a parents dinner for our closest family members the night before we tie the knot."

"Putting our WI plan on hold lead us to Arizona, where we currently raise Audrey, Miles and our favorite four legged knucklehead, Clyde. This unexpected chapter brought us challenges, and triumphs. During our trek, we saw the presidents at Mt Rushmore. We saw two socks and the 1880 town which pays tribute to Dances with Wolves, one of our favorite films. We saw elk, Old Faithful and hot springs in Yellowstone, bears in Idaho and snow peaks in Wyoming. We also saw hours and hours of absolutely nothing in Wyoming. We saw the Grand Canyon and the backs of our eyelids as we entered Coolidge AZ. We saw a neighborhood with narrow roads and hundreds of homes. We saw communial mail boxes. We saw a black widow the size of Mikes fist. We saw our new home, our first homeownership home - for the first time. Culture shocked and home sick, our adjustment would be long and turbulent. If we were to have attempted it alone, it would have been a failure. But We were not alone. Through each tribulation, we stayed eachothers rock. We denied our dream temporarily but made the best of our Southwest chapter. We've advertured to Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, San Diego, Disney (thanks Grams!!), Mt Lemmon, Superior, Roosevelt Lake, Show Low - along with many other local treasures. Audrey and Miles learned to swim, and how to ride their trikes, upgraded to bikes, ditched their training wheels and became off road biking fiends. They made friends and started KINDERGARTEN (we're not crying, you're crying), and became hiking experts. We've learned so much since our SW chapter started. We learned that the grass is greener where you water it, and letting love grow is never enough. We've learned to reep what we sow, and to sow every day."

"A long awaited adventure, we are so excited to officially become a complete Widmer family. Together with our parents and children, we cordially (and informally, too) hope everyone reading this can join us for a day of love, celebration, family, food, beer and fun.