Katie got a concussion on the first day of the 22-23 school year. While home on "cognitive rest" - we all know Katie is incapable of this - Katie thought it would be a great idea to swipe on guys different than she normally goes for on bumble. Jason claims Katie took several days to respond to his message after she sent the first one - Katie denies this claim. Once they started talking, Jason and Katie texted non-stop from that point forward. When Katie noticed she wasn't annoyed when she got messages from Jason, she knew she'd found a keeper! After a few weeks of texting, it was time to meet in person. Jason was living in Grand Forks at the time, although he was looking for a job in Fargo prior to meeting Katie. The "first date" had Katie second guessing the whole dating scene - Jason got stuck at work late and by the time he got into Fargo, Katie was tired and didn't feel like going out so she took a risk and invited Jason to her apartment - telling Jenna to check in with her every so often. Luckily, it turned out to be okay! Katie told Jason to park in the east side of the parking lot and she'd meet him outside... so she waited, and waited, and waited... all of her make up had melted off by the time they realized he was parked on the west side of the lot. The farm kid will never be able to live it down that he doesn't know east from west. ;) The first couple months, Jason and Katie (but mostly just Jason) drove back and forth between Fargo and Grand Forks many times until Jason started his job at Cargill in West Fargo. Date nights included mini golf, concerts, and lots of Texas Roadhouse! While Jason was all energy and excitement for this new relationship, Katie was a little leary of commitment after previous failed relationships, until spring of 2023. She'd been begging Jason to propose for the last year. More of the waiting game...

April 2023 was the first roadtrip. As a couple that immediately bonded over their love for adventure, it was surprising that it took this long to plan an adventure! Jason and Katie drove to Kansas City where they explored different BBQ joints, the illusions museum, the zoo, and Worlds of Fun. Fun fact: Katie loves roller coasters but experienced so much motion sickness during the day at the theme park, they had to take an hour break in between each ride. The worst ride was easily a little kid helicopter ride - UFF DA. Heading back to Fargo, Katie and Jason made sure to see the Omaha Zoo as well. Jason and Katie also took Rheagan to Medora late summer of 2023. It was a quick road trip across the state that included hiking, the musical, and (of course!) lots of shopping. Our dream destinations for future adventures include: Greece, Iceland, Vermont, Disney World...

Jason popped the question after signing on our new home and made sure our realtor captured that moment for us. Somehow, he actually managed to surprise me! - Katie Fun fact: The photo below was taken before the engagement, I was just so excited for our new home!