During the years leading up to the first date, there were numerous memories that involved both Josh and Allie, without them realizing it, until after they were dating and reminiscing. Josh and Allie first officially met when Allie was in 4th grade (2004), on the Berlin Barracuda Swim Team, though they really didn't talk that much. The next main interaction was during Josh's senior year of high school (Allie's freshman year-2009) when they were both on the same cross country team. During a colder cross country meet, everyone was required to wear the same color shirt under the jersey. Josh ran first and gave his long-sleeved shirt inside out to Allie so she didn't have to go without a long-sleeved shirt. Then there was the pool (2011), where Josh was one of the head lifeguards who trained Allie. At this time Josh's sister, Shannon, was running the pool. After working at the pool for many years, Shannon and Allie got super close. Josh and Allie "re-met" while helping Shannon move to a new apartment (2015). A few months later, Josh and Allie had their first date and they became official on 12/06/2015, and the rest is history!!!

The proposal was a day-long event. It started with us going to the Shedd Aquarium to see my favorite animal: otters. The next event was going back to our friends' house for our normal Saturday game night. At this point, with it being later at night, I had no idea it was going to happen. Josh and his friend, Dan, came up with the story that there was a new statue of Walter Peyton at Nickol Knoll Hill, in Arlington Heights that we HAD to go see since it was on our way to dinner. Josh and I have been there a few times, and have taken a few cute pictures with friends, and our dog Carley. On a clear night, you can see the Chicago Skyline. It is also the hill that Walter Peyton, from the Bears, trained, so it's a pretty steep and long hill. When we got there, the path was unplowed, so we started climbing this hill. When we got to the top, there was no statue, but that's where Josh got down on one knee. Our two best friends were there with us, so they were able to get pictures and videos of the whole thing. After climbing back down the hill, we didn't go to the original restaurant they had told us, but the restaurant our first date was: Wildfire. Overall, it was a wonderful and very thought out day.