May 3rd, 2003 Mike took me to the Manchester State Park and I knew that day that he would be the one I would marry.

We spent the summer together, riding around in his black Honda Civic. He was going to school for truck driving and I was working full time at the hospital. In August he left to go to work for Systems Trucking out of Spokane. We took a trip to Astoria the weekend before he left. Those were great days together. One of our weekend trips was to Oregon and another to Stonehenge in Eastern Washington. One of my favorite trips together was a weekend we went camping in the Olympics. The thing I remember the most about all of our times together is that we always laugh and have a great time.

And now, more than four years later, we're planning our wedding for our 5th anniversary. It seems fitting that it should also be in a state park. Right now we don't have much in the way of planning except to know where we want it and that it will be somewhat casual with a reception dinner to follow that will be some sort of southern food, whether that's barbecue or something else, we haven't yet decided. So if you think you might be here for the wedding, bring an appetite and some casual clothes as well. We want to not only celebrate our marraige but also that we will be reunited with friends and family who mean a lot to us and this weekend is to be about that too. You are all very important in our lives and we're grateful to be able to share this with you. As the date approaches, we'll update you on any changes. There will also be travel information and directions so check back. We aren't expecting to have any pre parties or showers so there may not be any updates in that area but we are hoping that some of our guests may be able to be here a few days before or at least the day before so that we might have some sort of get together the afternoon before so everyone can get to know each other. Almost everyone with the exception of Mike and I and my parents are coming from out of state so we know it will be a challenge to get people together but we'll do our best! Any suggestions on how to make that easier are greatly appreciated.