Kalen's Story My brother, Jake was home for Thanksgiving break from ISU and invited friends from school over to our parent's house for the evening. I also had friends over this night (shout out to Shelbi Hanson and Jess Wade!!). We obviously embraced the opportunity, as many younger siblings would, to find entertainment in being as annoying as possible. We're talking non-stop annoyances. I specifically remember firing off nerf guns while Jake and his friend's sat around the fire pit, interrupting conversations with the only intent being to interrupt the conversation, and eventually convincing a few of the guys to let us braid their hair. Until Jay and a few others entered the lit basement, I hadn't really considered who Jake's friends were, I just knew we were absolutely entertained by bothering them. So, I see this Fabio-looking man, wearing a plaid jacket, and randomly playing the conga drum and very openly nicknamed him Jay "THE BABE" McCrea. Those who know Jay, know he's a sucker for compliments. My mom will tell you I declared that night that "I WILL marry Jay "THE BABE" McCrea someday." Although, looking back, it felt way out of reach and was kind of just a bit initially, but it was so much fun to roll with it. Days later I strategized my way into getting Jay's phone number from my brother claiming, "Jay would be the perfect prank call victim". Fast forward 12 years later, and I can proudly say evvvvvveryyyyything is going to plan. Although Jay's extremely good looks is what first caught my eye, I quickly realized Jay is one of a kind in more ways than one. Jay continues to wow me with his delight in the everyday-life-things, unwavering loyalty to his friends and family, never-ending ability to light up spaces by simply being himself, and his incredible sense of humor. It's incredibly fitting our initials are JK, like "just kidding". Joking and laughing together have remained a constant in our relationship since day 1. There is no other person I'd rather have riding shotgun as we navigate life. We are so lucky. Jay's Story: A long time ago in a galaxy (Ames, IA) far, far away… Jake, Tanner and I were sitting up in Ames debating if we wanted to go home for Thanksgiving break or stay in Ames to enjoy what college students would think was fun back then. Weighing out the pros of being in town for thanksgiving, we were stuck with the con of “where can we still act like college kids.” That is when Jake had said, “we can go to my house, my mom is awesome and will make us whatever food and drink we want.” Next thing we know we are sitting around a fire having adult conversations when these nerf bullets, firecrackers and you name it start interrupting our mature hangout. This is where reality sat in that Jake really did have a sister. For those of you who know me, “adult conversations” and “mature hangouts” don’t really exist in my life. 2 hours later I have my hair braided, fake tattoos and a nerf gun in my hand running around with the “immature adults.” I’m pretty sure it wasn’t too long after that Jake had went to bed and Tanner and I were now playing games with the girls. I imagine this lasted until the early hours of the morning. A night that must have been so fun because it continued as frequently as it could and now is an everyday part of my life. Fun is my favorite part of life and the thing Kalen continues to bring me every single minute we are together.