We met at a party in Morris while we were both in school, just before COVID turned the world upside down. Not long after, as everything began shutting down, we started dating. While most people went home to quarantine, we found our own little pockets of time together—at the garage in Clinton or in my quiet, nearly deserted college house. For the first year, we made long distance work between Morris and Moorhead while Michael finished school. After he graduated and moved back home, we continued our “distance” between Morris and Clinton until I finished college too. Then it was my turn to move home, and we stretched that distance again—this time between Clinton and Vadnais Heights—while I started my job in a microbiology lab and Michael continued working as an electrician. After about a year and a half of living with our parents and making the drive to see each other every other weekend, we were more than ready for the next step. We found a cozy apartment in Robinsdale with a beautiful lake view and finally got to be in the same place every day. About a year later, Michael finally gave in, and we welcomed our favorite little addition—Winnie. The next year was filled with puppy snuggles, countless trips up and down three flights of stairs for potty training, and saving up for our future. In December, 2024, Michael planned what I thought was just a fun outing with his sisters to see a holiday light show. While I was busy trying to take a cute picture in front of the lights, he surprised me by getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him. Once we were engaged, we knew we wanted to start planning our wedding—but we also knew we wanted a home of our own. After plenty of conversations about finding the right balance between country and convenience, we found exactly what we were looking for. In April 2025, we bought our dream home in Annandale, where we’ve been building our life together ever since. From college days and long-distance drives to our first home and now planning our wedding, every step has led us here—and we wouldn’t change a thing.