Photos

This was the first photo (Jan 2016). Our vet school had an annual formal event called Winter Fest. We both went without a date, but still enjoyed a dance (or two or ten) throughout the night.

Our first date was attending Oktoberfest in Des Moines, IA with friends. We danced the night away, even when it started pouring rain and even learned a polka step or two together!

The blue room, inspired by the bower bird's courtship behaviors, was Peter's idea for the big proposal! Seems appropriate for a bird enthusiast like him, don't you think? Elsa helped set it up too.

Dancing and running down the aisle while celebrating our close friends' wedding in La Jolla, CA in December 2018. We both had the honor of serving in the wedding party.

Graduation day from Iowa State Vet Med in May 2017. I remember being anxious all day long, but Peter snuck a kiss in line before we entered the auditorium. It was exactly what I needed to relax.

On 11/7/2020, Peter passed the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Exam for Avian Practice. Minutes later, the election was called for Biden. It was the (second) happiest day of 2020 for us.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia - July 2019. In the words of the Uber driver, it was "disrespectfully" hot, but we didn't care since we each think the other is the "coolest" person in the world!

Disneyland, New Year's Eve 2018. We've both been Disney fanatics our whole lives. Peter is more of a parks and Imagineer enthusiast, but I know everything about the animation and Disney art history.

Hammonasset Beach, CT 2020. We came to the beach to discuss the next major steps in our career and life path together. We took this picture after choosing the NE as our new home, come Fall 2021!

Dancing the night away at our friends' wedding in San Diego 2018

Beautiful summer day in Tennessee, strolling around a park with Elsa

Visiting Smoky Mountain National Park

Mesa Verde National Park in CO. We found this park to be different than any other one we had seen. It felt special - hallowed, even. At 8000 feet in elevation it also felt a step closer to heaven.

At Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. We woke up before dawn to complete the deceptively vigorous 1.5 mile hike to this vantage point. We were sweaty and tired, but oh so happy to be together.

Our engagement party at the Kimball House in California. This cake was handmade by Kathleen’s brother as a gift. We were completely floored by how beautiful it was!

Elsa peeking out of the car window at Crater Lake, Oregon. She really is a veteran roadtripper!

Crater Lake, Oregon. We were so moved by the immense beauty of the area and met many kindred spirits from all over the world at the place this photo was taken.

Pompey’s Pillar National Monument in Montana is the only real proof we have that Lewis & Clark made it that far west on their expedition. We smuggled Elsa into the park so she could see it too. Ha!

Visiting Notre Dame Campus after dark really is the best time. The campus is quiet and displayed in shades of purple and gold. Fireflies and frogs surround you. All three of us loved it.

Point Defiance in Tacoma, WA. We spent the morning watching seabirds dive into the water while families in surrey bikes giggled and pedaled by. It was a bit misty there - hence the coats!