Connect How did your love story begin?

We met at a mutual friend’s Halloween party in 2009. We stayed up until 6 AM talking, telling stories, and falling for each other. We kissed that night and no firework show has ever lived up to that moment. We started dating on Halloween Day 2009 and have been inseparable since. We’ve been through graduations, job changes, family tragedies and more and lean on each other now more than ever. We are best friends and couldn’t imagine life without each other.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Besides having our two girls, ages 3 & 1, our favorite memory we continue to make together is our volunteer work yearly as Santa & Mrs. Claus. This will be our 5th year as Santa & Mrs. Claus and we collaborate with local events and photographers to be able to give every child in our community professional pictures with Santa for free. Growing up in low income families we understand that not everyone can afford pictures with Santa. Watching the children’s faces light up every year make it special

What would you do with $20,000?

We live in Codie’s childhood home and it is in need of multiple costly repairs and refurbishments. We live in a rural area so childcare is either non existent or very expensive. Codie is a SAHM with our little girls and Steve is the only source of income for the four of us so our funds stay tied up in bills and living expenses. We would use the money to fix what is needed in our home and pay off debts that would make our lives easier. Our dream is to be able to take our girls to Disney one day.