We're Getting Married!

We matched on Hinge in January 2023, and our first date was a week later. We went to the Olympia Farmer's Market, and enjoyed lunch together. We talked about him graduating Pacific Lutheran University soon and my recent move to Washington, and then we went to see the creepy M3gan movie in theaters. We both felt good about our first date, and the story goes on from there. :)

For those that don't know, we share the same birthday. Our first birthday we shared together, Ryan surprised me with a cabin in Forks. He had never been, but he knew it's one of my favorite places on Earth. Once you're there, it is so quiet and quaint. The drive through the trees and to hear the ocean, it's one of the best feelings. I was so thrilled to get to Forks and enjoy our cabin near a flowing creek. I had also made Ryan a homemade birthday cake, which he enjoyed. Our first birthday was absolutely amazing.

On our one year anniversary, we rented a tiny home in Suquamish for the first time. It was a GREAT experience (minus the composting toilet), and we really enjoyed exploring the area. The views are beautiful, and the restaurant on the pier had the best onion rings. We really enjoyed walking the historical parts of town and hearing the frogs and chickens before dawn.

We left for my cousin Kristi's wedding on the Thursday before the wedding, and travel is always a little stressful but fun. Long day of flights, but we made it! Bridesmaid activities were amazing, and the wedding itself was amazing! I cried like a baby for some parts of it. We had an amazing night with everyone. Aaaaaand the universe decided my brother and I would get Covid on Sunday, the day I was flying back. Of course, Ryan was exposed to it with me and we decided to stay (which, the doctor advised for me to stay 5 days before traveling) in the hotel and pack in. Ryan got sick 24 hours later, so we spent a good few days on our own in a small hotel room driving each other a little bonkers. I wouldn't trade getting sick with him for anything as it gave us a lot to learn about each other and ourselves, and how to be patient and caring while we are both down.

We planned a trip to Lake Tahoe, which was the first time we had ever been. I won't lie, I did get a little motion sick up the mountains, but it was an amazing drive with the view. The lake is HUMONGOUS and I wish I could have swam in it (albeit very chilly). I knew we were going to Tahoe and was 99.9% sure I was getting proposed to, so I was prepared for anything. Ryan made plans and we got to ride a sleigh ride with a reindeer to the beach (there was snow on the beach, y'all!), and it was so beautiful. Ryan got down on one knee and proposed, and I (of course) said yes. :) The rest of the time with pictures and lifts and great food were what I needed. We enjoyed having some time to sleep in and walk around the shops. Truly, Tahoe is and will always be #1 for me.