The date, January 20th, is very special in our story as it is the date in which I (Katie) joined Orangetheory Fitness Grandview where Carl is a coach. January 20th also happens to be Carl's birthday, and the birthday of our favorite pupper in the whole entire world, Cooper. We still need to confirm the exact date in which I took Carl's class for the first time, but we are thankful to have met when we did, doing something we both love - working out!

On an unassuming Friday in the heart of the summer, we took a half day to drive up to Apple Valley Lake for the night to spend time with some great friends, Jenny and Steve. After spending much of the afternoon cruising around the lake and lounging dockside, my parents surprisingly show up to the house - Carl's master planning coming to light. All six of us set out for a ride around the lake once more, deciding to stop in front of Eric Clapton's house. There, rocking in the waves, Carl got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Holding back tears, I told him ABSOLUTELY!