Phillip worked at a school with Valerie's sister, Michelle. She thought we would be a great fit, so she set up a double date at Ruth Chris Steakhouse in Walnut Creek. Phillip and Valerie started talking, and hit it off instantly. We went to the movies after, and the rest is history.

On the anniversary of when we first met, we went to a fondue place in Livermore. Phillip made sure Valerie got her nails done before the dinner. Afterwards, we went to an escape room. Phillip had hidden his own puzzle in the escape room. After the puzzle was over, Valerie decoded the message "Will you marry me?" and was given a flower shaped ring. One of the actors from Lost made a personalized video congratulating us on the proposal.

During the height of COVID, our daughter Everly was born. She is a great addition to our family of four: Phillip, Valerie, and Owen.