In 2021, Adam had the opportunity to travel to the Galapagos Islands as an alumnus of the National Geographic Teaching Fellowship. There, he met Jennie, a fellow educator and (unbeknownst to him) future guardian angel matchmaker. Casey knew Jennie as a dear friend, neighbor, and frequent cat-sitter, so when she was invited to Jennie’s roller-skating birthday party the following summer, her answer was yes! Adam was in Seattle for a teaching conference that same weekend and also agreed to join in on some Sunday-night roller skating. Casey was a bit too awkward on her roller skates to notice any flirting going on. But she remembered Adam as cute, warm, kind, and very smooth on the rink – always picking up the glow bracelets she kept dropping. Adam’s first impression of Casey? “Beautiful, kind, warm smile, curious, and a really fun outfit. Not a very good roller skater.” They chatted about teaching and social-emotional learning, life in Hood River and Seattle, and, of course, their pets – Wallace the dog and Monkey the cat. When Casey got home that night, she found an Instagram message waiting from Adam, and it finally clicked: we WERE flirting! Months went by, and Casey recommended interesting podcasts, Adam shared favorite music, she joined his Great British Bake-off bracket, and they wondered, would they meet up again? Finally, Adam devised a plan to visit Seattle for some “great hiking” in the area. They met for a walk around a community garden, rooftop tacos and margaritas, and desserts from a Hood River bakery. Casey’s heart skipped a beat when Adam presented her with a bouquet he’d picked from his garden – complete with lavender sprigs and a garlic bulb. The rest, as they say, is history. After a year of long-distance dating, Casey and Monkey made the move to Hood River. Since then, Adam and Casey have raised chicks and built a chicken coop, hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc, surprised each other with monthly dates, spent time with family in California and Washington, played music, made banners, and proudly watched Wallace and Monkey grow into begrudging step-siblings. On January 24, 2025, Adam invited Casey to one of their favorite local hikes in the East Hills, the first hike he’d shown her on her very first visit. At the overlook, they gazed out at the Hood River valley, their home in the distance, and all the special places that make up their wonderful community. After a bit of fake-out distraction with some chocolate, Adam got down on one knee and asked Casey to marry him. From the Galapagos to Seattle to Hood River and beyond, we know how lucky we are – and we are so excited to celebrate our love with all of you!