We met like many LDS couples do, in a singles ward. We were
friends and neighbors for over a year and got to know one another well. Our roommates were always playing games or doing something interesting together (think duct tape boat races, Lazy-boys on skis, and science experiments in our parking lot). We had countless game nights and parties as neighbors. Ryan even threw Patricia into a lake during one such outing (he thought he was being funny and it is still something he is very proud of). We spent a lot of time being silly and having fun as friends long before we started dating.
 |
| Picture scavenger hunt. We had to take a picture of something yummy. Ryan fit the bill. |
Our first date was an eventful one; Patricia received her mission
call that day and at one point during the date Ryan blurted out, “We should get married.” After
much thought and prayer we knew that getting married was exactly what Heavenly
Father wanted us to do. We were married three months later in the Manti Temple.
 |
| As an engaged couple |
 |
| Happily married. |
Since we were married we have both went to school for and graduated with our master's degrees. Ryan will also graduate with his Ph.D soon.
 |
| Yup, he's an engineer. |
 |
| We graduated at the same time with our master's degrees. |
Several years ago we bought a home and have been slowly remodeling it to fit our tastes and needs. We have loved the challenge of updating things, and making our home fit our personalities. Our home has a fenced in yard with a deck and covered patio where we host bbq's with friends and family. We love to spend time outside gardening, playing soccer with our dog, and pushing Sam on the tree swing.
 |
| Replacing the fence around our home. |
 |
| New mama and baby |
In 2012 we adopted our son Samuel. It was a whirlwind adoption (we found out about him about a month before he was due), but we met and fell in love with his birthmother and birth grandmother. We have a very open adoption with his birthmother and birthgrandmother. We post pictures on our blog for them frequently, Skype as often as we can, and try to get together in person despite long distances. His birth grandmother was able to be there when he was sealed to us in the temple and it was so special. When he turned one, they also came to his party and we spent a few days with them.
 |
| Ryan loves being a dad! |
 |
| Dity after a haircut! Isn't she adorable? |
This is our dog. Her name is Aphrodite (we call her Dity). She is adorable and will lick your face off. She is also pretty talented (i.e. she can dance and roll over). With raw talent like that she'll probably be in show business some day. Just kidding. That sounds awful. She wouldn't be able to sleep all day and eat bugs.
 |
| Busy at work. |
Patricia teaches online religion/family classes for BYU Idaho. She is able to work from home and have a flexible schedule. Most mornings she is up working before Sam wakes up so that she can spend time with him during the day.
 |
| Ryan just after exiting the plane. |
We enjoy being a bit adventurous. For example, we went skydiving when Ryan turned thirty. It ended up being an amazing experience. Patricia also ran a marathon just days before Sam was born. It doesn't matter whether we are trying the hottest hot wings at a local restaurant or jumping out of a plane, we're not afraid to try new things.
 |
| At a July 4th Parade 2012 |
We love spending time together as a couple and as a family. We’re best friends and
do almost everything together. We spend a lot time playing with Sam, watching movies and TV, going to
the park as a family, walking our dog, having BBQ’s and game nights with friends, and working
together. We can't wait to bring another sweet baby into our lives!
