Mawwaige is what bwings us togevvah todayy

In a lot of ways, we grew up together. We figured out who we were, and who we are, and where we might want to go. Throughout the last eight years, our plans have changed almost as often as our addresses. But at every turn, we’ve chosen to walk beside each other. We’ve covered a lot of ground - and ocean and mountains and tarmac and train tracks - to wind up here. At this thrilling step, we’re so grateful for the support and love that have guided us to this joyful place. We can’t wait to celebrate the journey and envision new adventures with all of you.

I had it all planned out. The plan was to go on an innocent picnic, because Vicky likes picnics--who doesn’t? The place was going to be an overlook of the Grande Ronde valley, where we had gone the day after Vicky first moved to La Grande. I had my camera. I had an excuse to bring the camera--I need pictures of us for my new office. And I had my mom’s wedding ring. It was the last sunny Saturday of October, but on top of Mt. Emily the fog was so thick you couldn’t see the next ridge, let alone across the valley. And it was cold. We laughed about it, and ate our gyros while waiting for the fog to break. Eventually, the hillside beside us cleared up, I turned the camera to video, and got down on one knee. Naturally, the fog dissipated 10 minutes after and the valley was visible again.

2010 Moved into the Tower, and became friends. 2011 Started dating in February, on the 6, 7, or 8? We’re not sure anymore. 2012 Played in the snow at UI and on Mt. Hood, and hiked to waterfalls in the Gorge on a rainy day. 2013 Got surprise front row seats to "Rock of Ages" on Broadway in Spokane, and visited Leavenworth in the spring. 2014 Graduated college. Vicky left for a year volunteering in the UK. Nicolas started his career at the Forest Service in Heppner. 2015 Nicolas came to the UK for 10 days, including a weekend in Paris. Vicky started work at Camp Lutherwood back in Oregon. 2016 Went on a family roadtrip through the southwest National Parks woth the Zitas. Vicky moved to La Grande and started working at EOU. 2017 Trekked through Olympic National Park on a springtime camping trip. Nicolas moved his stuff to La Grande and commuted to spend his weekends there. 2018 Tested our Spanish proficiency on a two-week adventure through Ecuador. Nicolas officially moved in with Vicky in La Grande. He popped the question a few months later.