We met during an oil spill response—Kevin was an animal rescuer, Julie a volunteer. She thought he was boring… until they released a bald eagle together. Friendship took flight. Years of working side by side led to eloping at a Las Vegas drive-thru chapel, laughing all the way. Our love didn’t begin with fireworks—it began with trust, teamwork, and birds of prey. And it’s only gotten wilder. 

Two standouts: gritty and glittery. Gritty: hiking deep into the Cascades, following clues to find a lost mine—dusty, tired, and triumphant. Glittery: after Julie’s second battle with cancer, a final surgery meant she didn’t need further treatment. We used our saved medical funds to celebrate at Dollywood—two huge Dolly fans reclaiming joy and wonder in the Smoky Mountains.

We’d turn survival into sanctuary—upgrading our homestead to grow and share simple, sustainable living through our project, Wild Homestead Living. We’d finish our catio, build wildlife habitat and food gardens, and create a space to teach resilience and joy. From neighbors to YouTube viewers, we want to share the love that made this dream possible—and help others grow their own.