The first year of our relationship was a whirlwind of romance and wonderful experiences.
We met on the 2nd of January, 2009, at Victor's Coffee in Redmond, Washington, and spent an hour chatting about ourselves at a small table in the corner of the room. It was Match.com which first connected us, a few days prior to meeting at Victor's, where we exchanged a brief message or two, planning our in-person introductions. As we left, we shook hands, and both agreed it was a nice time--that was all!
A few days later, Mike contacted me, asking if I would like to join him for dinner. (Yay!) I didn't have to spend time thinking it over, and replied yes, right away! On January 9th, we met for dinner at Osteria La Spiga in Seattle, our first real date! Needless to say, we figured out that night that we were absolutely smitten with one another, and thereafter planned to see each other, almost every chance we had!
On the anniversary of the day we met, we returned for coffee at Victor's (yes, I had red hair when we met!).
At Victor's Coffee, January 2nd 2010
Our children finally met just before the holidays, at the end of 2009. We met at a tree cutting farm in Issaquah to cut some Christmas trees for our homes. We returned to the same tree cutting farm in 2010, and snapped the photo below for our first family holiday card.
At Enchanted Winds Tree Farm, December 2010
We've had a number of great memories over the years, bringing our families together, and of course some struggles. After all, we each had 2 children, an adorable Boston Terrier, Cooper, and a nutty French Bulldog, Louis, to settle into one home!
Lopez Island, Summer 2014
Mike finally decided to change things up a bit on the 5th anniversary of the day we first met. We drove to Long Beach, Washington to spend the weekend by the ocean. The proposal was subtle, but sweet. I wasn't expecting it, but was certainly hopeful it might happen. I gave him my answer through tears of happiness!
Engagement at Long Beach, January 2nd 2014
We can't wait for the next chapter!