We first met in middle school at Walnut Creek Intermediate through mutual friends (*cough cough* Patrick) but never spent much time together. During our freshman year of high school, we were randomly assigned as lab partners and also sat at the same table in art class. Throughout that year, we became much better friends, but it wasn't until junior year that Nick finally asked Haley out on a first date at Civic Park. After graduation, Nick went to study at UCLA and Haley went to play soccer (and study a bit too) at Cal State Fullerton. Despite only being 45 miles apart, Haley's crazy soccer schedule, Nick's lack of a car, the cost of Ubers, and the LA traffic kept us from seeing each other more than a few days each month. But that didn't stop us from always being there for each other, getting to experience each other's lives, and enjoying our years in college together. And what they say is true: "Absence is to love, as wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, but kindles the great." Once Nick graduated, he moved up to San Francisco for work, where Haley met him after her final soccer season. Shortly after, Haley moved up to Eugene to begin her PhD in School Psychology at the University of Oregon, and Nick was able to transition to remote work and follow her there a few months later. Now, at long last, we have settled down in the same city and we are loving it here in the PNW. Despite all of the amazing places we've traveled, Civic Park always held a special place in our hearts, and Nick brought Haley back there 8.5 years later to propose. We are so excited to celebrate with all of you and to start this next chapter of our lives together.