We were both in the Lapeer, MI area for work in the spring of 2015. Nancy sent Davey an OKCupid message: "Hey, you look cute, and I think we have some things in common! Want to go out for a drink sometime?" Davey was burnt out on online dating at the time, and almost canceled the date! However, because Nancy is so adorable, Davey decided to keep the date and meet up with her at the White Horse Inn in Metamora, MI. We are both glad he came out that night! Davey loved her smile, and Nancy loved his vibe. Our second date was lunch in Chicago (Davey was en route to visit family in Northern Minnesota, and Nancy was there on business). For our third date, we went out for sushi. Nancy asked Davey, "What's your ordering sushi strategy?" Davey responded, "Look at the menu and look for things that look good...?" Other memorable dates in our early days of dating included a nature hike at Seven Ponds Nature center, a tour of Michigan's lighthouses, a weekend trip to Toronto, horseback riding at D-A Boy Scout Ranch, and July 4th fireworks at Castaway's on Lake Nepessing.

Nancy decided to move to California in the fall of 2015 for a new job at Airbnb, and Davey was still in Michigan. We decided to make it work despite the long distance and three timezone difference. To stay connected, we sent each other sweet gifts (a stuffed elephant, a lavender scented eye pillow, etc). We were also able to spend all the Q4 holidays together: Nancy's birthday in California, Thanksgiving in Minnesota, and Christmas and New Year in Michigan.

Davey requested and was granted a transfer within the BSA so that he could move to Oakland, California, and we could be together. He packed up his earthly belongings into a UHaul Pod and drove across the country in his 2012 Toyota Rav-4. Davey crossed mountains, rivers, great plains, and more to get to Nancy! When he finally arrived, we got back in the car and drove to Las Vegas for a birthday party, because why not? 💃 Davey started his new job at the BSA Pacific Skyline Council, and Nancy continued working at Airbnb, at this time often traveling back and forth to Los Angeles. We spent lots of time exploring the downtown Oakland area and enjoying the outdoor activities in the Bay Area, especially hiking and camping!

Nancy has always wanted a French Bulldog, and heard a rumor at work that there would be some Frenchies available the following weekend at the San Francisco SPCA. We decided to visit to test the waters of adopting a dog. Instead of a French Bulldog, we met a litter of nine-week-old Chiweenie puppies! We decided to take Oliver home with us that day, although we had no supplies and limited experience raising puppies. Oliver has brightened our lives! He is a loving, excitable, sweet soul, and he made us a family.

We decided we might like to get married in the Fall of 2018 when we attended a friend of Davey's wedding. Davey planned an amazing day the following April in Sonoma County including fresh oysters on the beach, wine tasting on the coastline, drives with beautiful scenery, and dinner at Nick's Cove Restaurant. As the sun was setting, he invited Nancy to walk out on the dock. He asked a passerby to take our photo with the sunset. Then he got down on one knee and asked Nancy to marry him! The photos are priceless, and the day was better than you can imagine.

These days we live in Alameda by the beach, and are hunkered down for the pandemic! Nancy has been freelance consulting, and Davey is continuing his career with the BSA. We love cooking together, and continue to enjoy lots of hiking and camping trips. Oliver dislikes Zoom meetings and being ignored. We are so happy to celebrate our love and life together with our friends and family, despite the multitude of obstacles in the current environment!