We had mutual friends and our families had known each other for generations. Our first interaction was brief. We met at PackFest on the Colorado State University Pueblo campus in 2021. At the following year’s PackFest—on September 16, 2022, we reconnected and talked for almost an hour. The two of us talked about our families, values, career aspirations and so much more. It felt as if we were catching up after years apart, despite having only just officially met. The following morning, we scheduled the first of many coffee dates, marking the beginning of a journey fueled by connection and mutual understanding.

On Saturday, June 15th, James brought Ambrey back to where everything began. He took her for a walk around the area where PackFest was held and reminisced. James had planned for his mom and aunt to take pictures of him and Ambrey when he proposed, but he spotted them early and made a change in plans so Ambrey did not catch on. He proposed and pictures were taken. Ambrey's mom and sister came to surprise her after it all. The two celebrated over Dairy Queen ice cream to soak it all in before sharing the news with everyone else.

♡ On nice evenings, we enjoy playing pickleball together. ♡ Our favorite foods to eat together are breakfast for dinner and Chinese food. ♡ Our great-great grandmothers were friends (No, we are not related. James did a lot of research.). ♡ We are currently on a Dirty Soda kick (Seriously, get some cream and soda and try it!).

Holy Thursday and Good Friday ♡ Every year on Holy Thursday, Ambrey's whole family will get together to begin the process of making breadballs (yes, they are real and yes, they are delicious) and stuffing artichokes. The entire family works together to mix the ingredients, roll it into balls, and patiently wait for them to bake before trying them. On Good Friday, we come together, eat dinner, enjoy all of the desserts, and relish in one another's company and stories shared. The Christmas Pickle ♡ Christmas Day with Ambrey's family can get a little competitive. Ambrey's Nonni and Papa have the difficult task of hiding three different pickle ornaments for the kids, teens, and adults. They have to keep an eye out for cheaters who like to scan the Piazza early! When it is time, everyone scatters, and the battle of finding the pickle begins! Everyone is an enemy when it comes time to search. The people who find the pickle get a celebratory picture and a gift card! It was on James' first Christmas spent with Ambrey's family that she won the pickle for the first time. I guess you could say that was a sign that they were the real dill (see what we did there?)! The Legend of Leon ♡ Leon is a mythical elf who made his first visit to Frank and Linda Bartolo’s house a few years before their grandson James was born. Making visits to Christmas Eve family gatherings, Leon has a habit of rearranging four ceramic angels holding letters spelling “Noel” into his name. Leon's cousin Leno from Italy also makes appearances on Christmas Eve. The tradition of Leon was started by James' Aunt Margaret.