First Encounter - I drove Thomas to a Super Bowl Party through our church organization, RUF. The beginning of our long friendship that led to our beautiful forever story. We stayed friends throughout the year before we started dating.

First Date - We had a picnic halfway between our hometowns since we were still living at home due to COVID-19. Both of us drove over an hour and a half to be there. Picnics have become central to our relationship since day one. We started dating doing long-distance since COVID-19 still had us both stuck in our home towns.

Officially started dating - We were both in CSTAT (thx Lindsey for being the reason we were together in for the weekend to celebrate your birthday)

Weekend at Marble Falls - start to many sun tans and future fun throughout the years. We both fell further in love with the water, boats, and each other.

First Semester together on Campus (dating). We were in the same town for school for the first time since February 2020! No more long distance for now! We took every advantage of being in the same city.

Picnic days - spent many days at the parks around Houston enjoying picnics with Rhea. We spent lots of time studying and enjoying college life again. We also explored many of Houston's restaurants, parks, and museums.

Spring Break - Thomas tagged along with my family's ski trip to Colorado. I taught him to ski within the first few hours (normally unheard of) and the rest is history. Thomas is a natural skier who loves to go fast and kept me on my toes the whole week!

Another summer spent at the lake - many of the days were spent on the boat to enjoy the sunshine and the lake.

More picnics were had - spent the beginning of the semester enjoying the weather. Spent the remainder of the semester studying and working. Both of us were still on campus for the Fall semester so lots of spontaneous date nights to the drive-in or to Eight Wonder in Houston.

Renaissance festival for Thomas's first time - super fun time enjoying mead, turkey legs, and quality time together. Bonus for the picnic-style eating throughout the day.

2-year anniversary - spent the day in Galveston celebrating all our relationship. We went back to long distance starting the Spring 2023 semester.

Spring break - this year both of our families decided to take on the slopes. The week we were there had amazing snow on the mountain, so I spent the week racing after Thomas since he thought the only speed to go was super fast. I think Thomas and I will be frequent CO visitors in the future.

College graduation - I graduated from the University of Houston and had Thomas standing by my side as I had for a lot of my degree. I would start my ABSN (accelerated nursing) program in the fall so this was just a stepping stone.

We brought home a new addition to the slowly growing crew! Thomas had always dreamed of having a Doberman so when this guy showed up on the Rivers' house door (in Boerne) in need of a home, he quickly became the newest addition! Ares loved his time in Baycity with only Thomas but seems to love pestering Rhea in Houston much more.

First Cruise - Took Thomas on his first crusie! We had the biggest blast exploring the ships amenities, sitting on the beach, and enjoying the restaurants every night. I think Thomas will be a cruise person for the years to come!!

ENGAGED!!! Spending forever with the person I know was created for me is the biggest blessing! Many prayers went into our meeting and helped to guide our forever together. I am beyond thrilled to spend forever with my best friend.

THOMAS OFFICIALLY GRADUATED COLLEGE!!!

Thomas started a new job at Kimley-Horn in Houston. SO EXCITING!! Proud would be an understatement of my feelings about this man of mine!