Monica's first memory of Tom was him laying barefoot in the quad complaining about how he ate too much food. It was 2009, their freshman year at the University of Puget Sound, and Monica was so curious about this barefooted boy from Wyoming. They quickly bonded while watching the TV show Lost and going on outdoor trips.

After dating for their Freshman and Sophomore years, they broke up to study abroad for their Junior years: Tom in Uganda and Monica gallivanting around Asia. They spoke intermittently over skype and email during the year, and spontaneously decided to meet up in Nepal after their travels that May. The plan was to hike to Everest Base Camp. Monica spent the first few days in Nepal puking her guts out, but Tom was a great sport. By the third day of the trek, Monica could finally eat solid food, and it was an amazing trip - despite the Lukla airport closing for several days due to a storm and needing to helicopter back to Kathmandu to make their international flights home. They've been together ever since, living in Washington, Phoenix, and now Denver.

On November 16th, 2018, Tom took Monica on a snowy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Tom led Monica off trail to a spot where he had hidden a bear canister filled with pictures, mementos, and treats. He said some very, very lovely things and pulled out a ring. Monica, of course, said yes.