May 19 is where it all started, a JSwipe connection that led to a first date at Avoca on the Upper East Side. Or was it really? See months before Erica swiped right on the boy who chose to feature the bizarre Mighty Ducks shirt on a dating app, she chatted briefly with him on Hinge. Except it wasn't her doing the talking.... but her older sister Allison controlling the phone. Neither Ryan nor Erica were ready to truly date at the time, so months went by until they matched for real! This time it was Erica talking for herself in May of 2023. They connected over a shared love of Mario Kart on Nintendo 64, a love of kids, a shared Big Ten rivalry (Go Penn State) and so much more. On the very first date Erica was expressing her love for baby niece Zoey and she wasn't even born yet! That was just the start of the journey. Ryan and Erica have traveled the world from up to Portland Maine, down to Florida, out west to Seattle, Washington and all the way throughout Europe, stopping to see Adam Sandler, Lauv, Billy Joel and more along the way! They have just as much fun going to the top of the Eiffel Tower as they do competing - intensely- over a game of minigolf, ping pong, rummikub, or Mario Kart. Ryan has made the perfect uncle to Baby Zoey, while Cody, Easton and Elise absolutely love their Aunt Erica and can't wait to officially welcome her to the family!