Our story started long before we knew it was being written. Kirsten and I first crossed paths in preschool at Saint John the Baptist where we quickly became friends. Our friendship flourished over the next few years until the 4th grade, when I finally worked up the courage to ask Kirsten to be my girlfriend. Which, in reality, consisted of me asking my friend to ask Kirsten’s friend if Kirsten wanted to be my girlfriend… but it still took guts! Now that we were an item, we did what all grade school couples did — never spoke or even dared to look at each other. Our thriving relationship eventually fizzled out, but to this day we are not sure we ever officially broke up. We remained classmates and carpool buddies throughout grade school and middle school, but it wasn’t until high school that we really started growing closer. We even went to a couple of homecoming dances together — just friends, of course! Throughout this period of our lives, our families spent time together making memories with all of us together. Our families have been close for years, going on adventures together ranging from houseboating trips at Lake Shasta and camping in Lake Tahoe, to setting sail on a Caribbean cruise and skiing at fabulous places. Those adventures, filled with laughter and campfire stories, were the backdrop of our childhoods. Little did we know, they were also setting the stage for our own love story. After highschool, we both went our separate ways to our respective colleges. Kirsten went to Chico State and I went to Sacramento State, but we stayed in touch and spent summers together with our group of friends in Rancho Murieta. However, despite the “long distance” and drawn out periods of time between seeing each other, we truly began to realize how much we meant to each other. It was during those summer days that we started seeing each other in a whole new way. I finally mustered up the courage, yet again, to ask Kirsten to be my girlfriend shortly after we graduated college. After years of friendship and a few more years of dating (finally!), I knew it was time to make things official. I went with my mom and sisters to pick out an engagement ring (with Kirsten's specific criteria in mind, of course). Once I picked out the ring, it was time to start planning the big surprise. I picked Kirsten’s birthday to propose because who wouldn’t want to make the best day of the year even better by saying “I do” to the love of your life? With the help of some lovely sister and best friend assistants, I set up a beautiful backdrop in the Kjome’s backyard to pop the question. After some happy tears, Kirsten said “YES!!!” Now, as we start this next chapter of our story, we continue to bond over our shared love of the outdoors, our families, animals, and adventures. We’re so thankful for our families friendship over the years that paved the way for the rest of our lives. We look forward to the many adventures and memories that we will share together. Now, let’s party!