We met poolside, at the birthday party of a mutual friend, Karen Shedrick. Pretty sure everyone present noticed that all of our time was spent side by side, chatting and laughing. Connor was there as well! I (We all know Bethany is creating this, Jonathan will proof it:)...where was I. I was interested in Jonathan's personality, character and priorities. (Fast forward: I tell him often how much I appreciate his priorities!) He suggested a dinner meeting, but as much as I instantly respected him and was intrigued by him, my heart wasn't ready. And to his credit, he patiently waited for 6 more months. What a guy!

Once I did give him my phone number in late January, he wasted no time showing me how sincere his intentions were. I smile now, remembering our first date. He planned a strawberry picking adventure, followed by a personally packed and executed charcuterie sunset picnic along the banks of the everglades. Many dates ensued, intentional and purposeful. We both were actively vetting the idea of marriage from Go. On July 2nd, Jonathan got down on one knee in a swaying train car in New Hampshire's White Mountains. He proposed a partnership. A life of adventure. Raising our boys and growing old together. But adventuring the whole way. I remember his husky voice and dusty knee. I remember the dancing in my heart and the beautiful ring I accepted. Yes!

It’s said, you find it when you are not looking – I remember the first time I saw her, standing in the shallow end, knee-deep, watching the children splash about. Her hair up, glistening in the midday sun sporting Ray-Ban sunglasses. Connor wasted no time plunging into the pool affording me the opportunity to take the position next to her. The attraction was immediate and fierce. We were quickly engaged in meaningful conversation which continued to flow – effortlessly! While it wasn’t our moment, the seed was planted, and the pursuit began. Intentional in every step, deliberate with every act, we shared our interests and our stories and openly and honestly grew closer together as we adventured. The “spark” took hold and our relationship blossomed. Conversations expanded and hours evaporated in her presence. I recall the very moment it happened, dancing together in the kitchen, my stomach in a knot, knees weak, thunderstruck, and tongue-tied, I was captured and surrounded by love. As our journey continued and our love deepened, I knew I had found my partner, my best friend, my home base, my North, and that I was going to spend the rest of my life growing closer to her. Love is the greatest adventure, and the best gift I could give her was a lifetime of adventure!