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2005 brought another journey to worship at Gulf Coast Getaway (this trip was organized by Patrick), another Singarama, and another birthday visit with Patrick's family. During Allison's spring break, we drove to Medina, OH to visit her mother's brother and family, the Sternbergs. During our visit, Patrick watched the only episode of that American Idol show he has ever seen. We drove to Cleveland one day and visited the Museum of Natural History, went to a show in the planetarium there, had Allison pose next to a dinosaur, watched a raccoon dance and walked around for a while in the cold. We also went with the whole Sternberg family (Gary, Stacy, Madison, Halle and Carly) to Amish country for an afternoon.

Allison attended summer classes at Lipscomb in 2005, to make graduating in four years easier. In June, she volunteered as a camp counselor at Otter Creek Christian Camp. By coincidence, her 20th birthday occurred while camp was in session. Patrick drove the one and a half hours early one morning to wake her up with a special birthday song written just for her (with the help of her fish, Buddy)...and to give her the two dozen cupcakes he had baked! She was certainly surprised at the unexpected visitor, and it was a happy birthday! Later this summer we would attend a couple of weddings in Texas. The first was Brad Sullivan and Jenny Francis in Paris, TX where Patrick was a groomsman. The second was Sarah Liechty and Jordan Gackle in Rockwall, TX.

Shortly after July 4 some friends of ours were given temporary protective custody of their twin grandsons, Hayden and Hunter, born about a month premature. The twins had already been in the hospital for several weeks before going home with the grandparents, but were still on heart monitors and a strict dietary regiment for a couple of months. The custody situation was unexpected, and the grandparents would have a difficult time taking on this responsibility and maintaining everything else that needed doing. So Allison, loving children as she does, volunteered her heart, time and energy over the following two and a half months, caring for Hayden and Hunter nearly all day, most days of the week...basically as a temporary mother. Patrick would join in one or two nights during the week, and on each weekend. If you could see these pages from our scrapbook, you would have some idea of how wonderful and crazy these months were!! The boys are now living and growing up with their mother.

In October, Patrick emailed Allison's parents to inquire as to when a good opportunity for a solo visit might be...for a serious, private talk that he would like to have face-to-face. The Hubbards responded with several options, including the next day...so Patrick jumped at the opportunity, and set the appointment. He managed to slip away from Nashville while Allison was otherwise engaged, and drove to Memphis, meeting with the Hubbards over dinner, enjoying the meal and time with them. Mrs. Hubbard had arranged a couple pictures of Allison on the table, and brought out the china plates. She had some expectation about the big occasion!! After dinner came the time for serious talk.

Patrick expressed his affection, respect, commitment and love for Allison, as well as his desire to have her as his companion and partner in all things...his wife! He wanted to take her to look at engagement rings as part of their second anniversary celebration in November, but wanted to meet with her parents first, feeling that it was more proper to ask for their permission and blessing on the engagement and ensuing marriage first. They talked seriously about desires, prospects, plans and opportunities, giving their whole-hearted permission and blessing...as well as some advice and encouragement! Patrick was able to return to Nashville without Allison ever knowing he had left, even though they had spoken on the phone several times during the day. Upon returning, Patrick wrote Allison a brief letter, which she would open the next time they began scrapbooking, letting her know about the secret visit.

Leading up to our second anniversary, Patrick gave Allison the "Seven Days of Anniversary," starting with two chocolate kisses the first day, and adding two other items each day. Allison made Patrick's favorite cake; lemon with homemade cream cheese icing. For our anniversary celebration we ate at a hibachi grill restaurant and visited a couple of jewelers, getting an idea of available styles, but most importantly, styles Allison liked!

The fall of 2005 was a great season for football. We attended two Bulldogs games: first, in Nashville, when the Dawgs visited Vanderbilt and later, in Athens, when the Auburn Tigers came to play. What a difference in atmosphere, between Vanderbilt's stadium in Nashville and the football crazed town of Athens!! The home game was outstanding, and the crowd was electric! For Thanksgiving 2005, the Hubbards visited Jeff and Kera at their home in Bay City. Patrick was invited to join in the fun. We had a trip to the movies, Moody Gardens in Galveston, Putt-Putt and Dairy Queen! Jeff and Kera were gracious hosts, and we enjoyed spending the several days with them.