“If you read it back now it makes total sense,” Trista said of Ryan’s Instagram posts in May, in which he lamented not being able to talk to her.

“I was gone, and now you can understand that I was at Special Forces filming the show.”

And when it comes to the show, Trista confessed it was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” especially because, to put it plainly, “You go through s–t.”

But she was grateful that she did it, especially because it helped put her life in perspective—and gave her kids something new when it comes to their parents, as they’re not super impressed that their mom and dad met on a reality show.

“They are so over it by now,” Trista admitted. “They’ve known for a long time.”

However, things have changed for the family after moving from Vail, Colo., to Denver where people recognize them more.

“Our kids will just giggle if someone asks to take our picture or whatever,’ she said. “It is what it is. We met on television!

I think they’re proud of it in a weird way, but it’s not like they shout it from the rooftops.”