We both applied to be RAs while attending Oregon State University. They hadn't quite started to scrape the bottom of the barrel enough to hire us, so we only knew each other informally through training classes. At first, Erika didn't think she would be able to stand Kevin's voice, and Kevin thought Erika was gonna be a stick in the mud. Luckily, we were finally hired and had to work in the same hall.

We eventually got over our first impressions and saw that we could be more than just good friends. Kevin stayed at OSU for another year and a half before starting grad school in Montana. Little did we know that this would begin a long series of moves, phone calls and short visits. As time went on, we both realized we were meant to be and eventually moved in together.

In April 2011, we went on a road trip to California with coworkers. The only goal was to see the Redwoods, which was achieved with a quick 30 minute stop on our last day. Six years later, Kevin decided to capitalize on the trip's shortcoming and planned us a backpacking vacation. He proposed in the Redwoods during a day hike and then we hoofed it to Disneyland with friends to celebrate fiancédom.