Let me take you back, way back, before I had one good Achilles and a lot less heartburn; back when wearing joggers was my identity and Drake was still putting out heaters. Allie was a Tour Guide working on campus, and I was a Front Desk Attendant at our college gym (UCCS). Allie would come to the gym, on official business of course, giving tours and showing all of the prospective students the local amenities. Allie would walk in and come right to the front desk and ask me the best question a man could be asked: “Can I get the alligator shaped pool key?” I would respond, “You bet.” I know what you’re thinking….she was probably in love with you right there. You and I both were thinking that, and for me, it might have been true. For anyone that gets to spend any amount of time with Allie, you know she immediately feels like home. Fast forward a few dozen…twenty, thirty…visits to the gym, I finally decided to shoot my shot. So, like all good love stories go, I had a beverage or two and asked her out the old-fashioned way: a carefully constructed Instagram DM. Turns out, that was the best thing I’ll ever do because what came next was the rest of my life. Okay, maybe not immediately…she did cancel our first date…but then afterwards, magic. Our first date was me coming over to make banana bread (I did bring Chi, but who wouldn’t bring their German Shepherd to a baking date — probably most people, to be honest). I remember we just talked and talked, and a midday bake turned into same-night dinner plans. We’ve had plans ever since. Seven years later, we’ve seen so much and experienced even more firsts than we could count. We have changed jobs, started new degrees, bought a home, explored every inch of Colorado, traveled to new countries, adopted Mr. Koda, and so much more. We would not be a “we” without all of the love and support from each and every one of you. We mean this with the utmost gratitude when we say that you all shaped this story and made us one lucky couple. Thanks for helping us celebrate!