10 years with you ...

Rewind to Summer '06 ... 10 years ago ... I'm 21, spending my break back home, working at Wells Blue Bunny. When I'm not watching Bomb Pops go by on the assembly line, I'm having a total ball with my friends. Weddings, parties, boating. One of these fun times, in particular, would be the start of something that would change my life from that moment on... It was June, and one of Ryan's best friends, (Ryan) Feeck, asked me to be a player on their slow-pitch softball team for the annual St. Mary's Alumni Tournament. The team needs a certain number of girl players, and they were short, so he asked me. I had played softball in high school and thought it would be fun, so I agreed. I showed up without knowing most of the team very well ... with the exception of Ryan and his best friend, Steve. Because of this reason, I probably clung to them a bit. And, once the games got started and the beer got flowing, some innocent flirting sparked between Ryan and I. Steve ended up driving me home that last night of the tournament, and, instead of Ryan riding in the front with Steve, he jumped in the back with me. Nothing happened, of course, but it was probably an indicator of the connection between us.

This weekend ball tournament would end up with me seeing pal "Schnoesy" in a different light. He had always been funny, outspoken and charming. I found these characteristics enduring and attractive and I simply wanted to spend more time with him. Although things would move very slowly, and we'd have quite a few bumps in the road that first year, there was no turning back from that night. It was meant to be and lead to him being stuck with me for life!

Here's some photos of us over the last 10 years. They have been some wonderful, eventful years. Weddings of our friends and family ... My college graduation and landing my first job ... Career advancements for Ryan ... Trips to Colorado, Vegas and California ... Iowa State tailgates and games ... Buying our first home ... The list could go on and on. We've also experienced heartache and disappointment over these years, too. This has made us stronger and given us a different perspective on life. We know how lucky we are to have each other and be sharing this life together!