Connect How did your love story begin?

We met on a blind date, he was my second chance, a trusted meteorologist and tornado chaser, I was a single mom living in my parents’ basement with two small children. Not exactly a fairytale start, but the sparks were real. He brought steadiness and storm reports, I brought chaos and charm. He asked me and the kids to marry him and we moved to Iowa. We built a fairytale life full of laughter, love, and a bond strong enough to survive anything even tornado season.

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

Every summer, we ride our bikes 600 miles across the state of Iowa known as RAGBRAI. It’s not for everyone and it’s definitely not glamorous. We sleep in our RV, it’s grueling, blazing hot, and an uphill battle every day. But side by side, we push each other every mile. It’s the perfect snapshot of our marriage, encouraging, laughing, and finishing strong no matter how tough the road gets.

What would you do with $20,000?

This year marks our 25th wedding anniversary, and we’d take my loud, crazy, Italian family on a cruise to Italy to meet even more of our relatives. We’d throw the party of a lifetime as we sail the high seas, laughing, dancing, and eating our way to Italy. We’d celebrate our love with the people that matter the most, and it would be one big, beautiful, floating Italian fiesta!