It's finally here!!

Two midwest, bluegrass loving, family orientated young folks both found themselves in Southern Utah. Of all places! I never thought I would end up using a dating website, and at 25, I was looking for a climbing partner, hiking friend or fingers crossed, a smart, cute guy to do all of that with and more. I reluctantly signed up for OkCupid and after a day, Austin sent me a message. He seemed normal enough, liked the outdoors and "took his grandma out for lunch once a week" (smooth Austin), according to his profile. After getting his number, I deleted my account, we texted and talked for a month before agreeing to meet at Centro in Cedar City. The night before, I was nervous and almost bailed. I asked a dear friend to "make me go" even if I changed my mind the day of. I was casually late, peaked in the restaurant and saw a handsome man waiting for me in a corner booth. He made me laugh, we drank good wine and I watched him eat his Pizza with a fork, while I used my hands..missing that first date etiquette memo. I smiled all the way as I drove 45 minutes home, anxiously waiting for the weekend to ski with him. I ended up slipping on ice, losing my big toe nail to too tight of boots and somehow managing a third date after all that. Apparently he thought all of that was cute. ;) It was not until our 4th or 5th date, that Austin and I revealed that we each, on our first date, had our pocket knives closer, and more easily accessible than normal. It was then, I knew I was going to marry this man. ;)

I can remember it so well. We were meeting for the first time at a great little pizza place in Cedar City, UT. That was the half way point for both of us, she was living in St. George and I was living in Brian Head. I arrived first and I asked the hostess to put us in a quite table in the corner, and then I waited. I was very excited to meet her. When she walked in I was struck how beautiful she was in person ( I had only seen her through pictures at this point). Her eyes were piercing, an ever-changing pool of an earthy green/brown mix. We went on to have such an amazing conversation on a huge range of subjects. It went on to be one of those cliche first dates, where we are the last ones in the restaurant, the whole staff is ready to close and even our server started sweeping right next to us so we would get the hint. I asked her to meet me that weekend so I could take her skiing in Brian Head. I gave her a small hug in the parking lot and told her to text me that she made it home safe. I have never wanted to see some one again so badly. :)

It may seem like we move around a lot. We do! All I can say about that is Austin has supported my career from the day we met. Whenever I have a wacky idea or thought about how I can push myself further, he is there helping me sort through it and supports whatever decision makes sense for us, and me. We moved from Utah to Bend for a job opportunity for me. We spent time there and realized there was an even better opportunity in Colorado awaiting us. Austin, the most patient and understanding man, made another move to another town that he had not been. He trusted me to make the decision and promise him that he would LOVE Durango. Mountains, Rivers, Skiing- this town checked off all the outdoor adventure boxes we needed, along with a job that I had been working towards for years. Each move brought us different opportunities, mountains to climb, explore and play in.. This last move brought on an amazing opportunity for Austin to have a job he now loves, and allows us to live in Durango, Colorado where we hope to be for a while. I feel unbelievably grateful to have a partner in life who supports me and pushes me the way Austin does. Moving states, our communication only grew stronger and allowed me to realize how much I love him and want him in my life forever. I truly do feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have him as my other half.