Our Story

We first met during the polar vortex of 2018-2019. Abe had recently moved from Seattle and was an ISU student at the time and Kay had just graduated from Drake and was working as a pharmacist in Ames. With temperatures reaching -60 with wind chill, weather warnings said frostbite could affect exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The weather advisory had suggested goggles, which led Abe to don this attractive first date outfit. Our first date was at local joint Cafe Diem, and even with the weather, we both decided to get smoothies. Our love for board games, our families, geeky things and making each other laugh were instantly apparent and we hit it off right away!

We love board and card games. They keep our competitive spirits alive and we are a good match for each other. Some of our favorites are Wingspan, Dominion, Thirteen, and our first board game ever, Splendor. Although, we have gotten so competitive at Splendor that we have had to turn on a calming TV Show (usually Great British Bake Off) to keep it light. In the photo shown, we are at Abe’s family cabin where Jascha first coined our couple name, “Kaybe.” We have learned together that “Kaybe” is always the ultimate winner.

May of 2020 we decided to get a puppy. We named her Fela (pronounced Fell-uh) after a character in one of our favorite fantasy novels, “The Name of the Wind.” When we took her home and told our family and friends about her most had not heard of such a name. Kay’s Gramma however said, “What a great name! That’s Polish for “Lucky!” Not quite believing that was really true we looked it up and sure enough Kay’s Polish side of the family was done proud. Fela has been just that, our good luck charm and a bundle of fluffy joy especially during the pandemic. She is such a fun, active, friendly dog that we ADORE.

About two and a half years after the successful polar vortex date there was a backyard graduation party (despite some rain) for Abe. During the speech, Abe walked over to Kay and popped the question. Many happy tears were shed and it was wonderful to have so many family members there to celebrate Abe’s graduation and the new engagement!

Graduation day and surprise engagement day!!