Us: I always say "these two little girls" when referencing my daughters. However, this picture is of two young women who are extremely intelligent and successful in their own right. The oldest Valeree on the right is so cool, calm, collected, smooth, and can blend in with any conversation just like her dad! Leah the young girl on the left can be a little bit shy, ultra competitive, really into sports, yet can just chill by herself, also just like her dad! What they both have in common besides beauty and brains is their uncanny common sense and ability to love and understand even when times are tough and trying. They are truly the greatest daughters anyone could ever have, and we are so fortunate to have them in our lives!
Colin: The day we got engaged is a day I will never forget. Not because it went exactly how I planned it because it definitely did not! Those of you who know me well, know I like to plan everything however, I had no idea I was going to propose this day. Ari and I were actually having an argument about something I can’t remember. We’re actually in the master bath close to her closet at the time of our disagreement. I have no idea why but while she’s telling me whatever it is she’s upset about, I’m like “this is it, it’s time”. I walked out of the bathroom and into the other room where I had the ring that I had already purchased. I knew I was going to marry this woman but I just didn’t know when I was going to ask. I walked back into the bathroom where she’s even more upset for me walking away while she was talking. I get down one knee and open up the ring box. If you know Ari, you know there was a lot of crying and emotion. Thankfully she said yes. So the picture you see here is the day I asked but at one of our favorite spots for breakfast shortly afterwards. Because after a little bit of arguing and a lot of crying tears of joy, a girl has got to eat!
Ari: Colin was away on a conference in Vancouver, Canada. So I surprised him with tickets to his favorite sports team, the New York Giants! We were right on the 50 yard line and three rows away from the field. When I called and told him, he was on his way home. He was as surprised and excited as I’ve ever heard him since the game was the very next day. We get to the stadium and find our seats. They were amazing seats and we took so many pictures. He was so happy and so proud while wearing his Giants jersey. The Giants scored first and he was on top of the world! The picture you see of us is (1) me very excited to be at my first NFL game and (2) Colin after the Cowboys scored 21 straight unanswered points. While it looks like he wasn’t having fun, he’ll tell you he had an amazing time. The score may not have been what he wanted but this was his very first Giants game, opening day, and in Dallas cowboy Stadium. When I asked his family why he was so upset they were surprised we were still together! They all said over and over again, “Colin does not take losing well“. While I am not into sports like he is I am very competitive as well! It’s another thing that we have in common but now I’m ready in case his team happens to lose again!
Arian: As we explored the wonders of this great country, our love has grown immensely. Over time we have continued to learn and peel another layer of each other. Luckily, the most hidden part of ourselves came to light. Our ability to love and support each other through trials and challenges has been the greatest gift. Through patience, love and acceptance, I found comfort and peace in you. In this picture, we are on a boardwalk in California. The restaurant's owner allowed us to sneak our drinks in to-go cups (Super Excited). Like kids, we giggled and laughed to the last drop. At the end of the pier, we found ourselves staring into the ocean with the wind blowing into our faces. At that point, I knew I was staring into my future with you. This adventurous journey is just the beginning. And I’m ecstatic to share more memories with you and our little ladies. XoXoX