Most couples have history, but Colton and I….we have enough stories to fill the pages of a three book trilogy! In book one, you would read about the tumultuous relationship between two teens who fell desperately in love but are wildly confused about the paths to take after high school. This book would paint the picture of nights dancing in the rain, long drives along the dirt roads of Clovis, late night phone calls, and so many song dedications. The next book would detail years of life apart, navigating the world without one another but still frequently wondering about the other. We lived very separate, yet very intertwined lives for 5 years. I would call him when a big life experience would occur, he would call me when he was experiencing a bump in the road. We lived in two different cities, but we have always been each other’s rock, biggest cheerleader, and very best friend. Then there is the latest installment of our book series, in which the stars align and fate finally has our paths cross again in the unsuspecting city of Albuquerque. He was finishing up Pharmacy school and I just got accepted to OT school at UNM. What started as a buddy to attend church with, a Starbucks study partner, and a friendly face to help navigate a new city, quickly turned into a rekindled flame. And the rest is history…. What I can say with complete certainty from all the way back to summer of ‘09 is… It was always you.

Colton's birthday was coming up and he was adamant that we go on a trip to celebrate HIS birthday. He chose to go to Jemez, NM so we could hike for HIS birthday. He hyped the trip up to be all the things that he wanted to do! On the second day of the trip, Colton chose to do an 8.5 mile hike up to a beautiful waterfall. After several hours of hiking and scaling the side of a cliff while holding a dog, we finally made it to the base of the waterfall. Colton wanted to set up his phone and his fancy camera to see "which one got a better picture." There I stood, completely oblivious as he pulled a ring box out of his backpack and walked towards me. I think it took a solid minute before I finally understood what was happening, and to which I responded "are you serious?!"...cue the waterworks! He got down on one knee, took my hands and said the sweetest speech, and asked me to spend forever with him! Easiest YES ever! And definitely the most surprised I have ever been!