We're Engaged!!!

Until now, the happiest day of my life was the day my dog stopped peeing on the carpet. No really. Now, the happiest day of my life was the day that Mike asked me to be his wife. For those for those of you who want to know how it all happened, read on.

On May 6th, we were in Washington, D.C. for Mike's sister's graduation. We were only there for one night so we were trying to do at least a little sight seeing. We saw the Washington Monument, the White House and a few other things. After a potty break and ice cream cones at McDonald's, we were all thinking about going back to the hotel since we had to be up early. Mike's sister, Ashley (who I now know to be a co-conspirator) suggested before going back to the car we go see the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. I was tired but I figured this might be my only chance to see D.C. for a long time so I should live it up. (Author's note: I know what you are thinking, WWII Memorial? He didn't...did he? Well, before you start that mental process, look at the pictures I have provided. It's BEAUTIFUL, especially at night, all lit up.) Anyway, we get there, the fountain is lit up, we are surrounded by pillars representing each U.S. State and Territory and two overlooks, the Pacific and European theatres. Ashley points us to the Utah pillar and then makes herself scarce. I run over to take pictures and really, the only thing on my mind is how I want to take lots of pictures so I can explain it to my Dad. Weird, right? Whatever. Anyway, I see the overlook that is the Pacific Theatre and tell Mike I want to go take a picture of the fountain from it. Mike follows me and says, "Let's take a picture of us!" I was thinking that was odd, but I wasn't going to complain so I hand him the camera. He points it at us and as I am smiling waiting for the picture, I see Mike's hand creeping into my periphery. Now, some background: the whole night, every (and I mean EVERY) time I would try to take a picture, Mike would wave his hand in front of it so I had about 18 pictures of his hand. So, when I see his hand creeping in front of my face (see picture below), my first instinct is to slap him and to feel foolish for thinking he wanted to take a nice picture with me BUT as his hand is creeping further into my vision I see that there is something on his pinky. Once I focus, I see that it's a diamond ring . At that point, all I remember is that I started saying, "What? WHAT???" Because I wanted to think this was it but I my brain wasn't processing it. I turned to look at him and he got on his knee (awww) and I said, "Really???!!!" and then he said, "You are the one for me. Will you marry me?" I don't know if I said yes right away. Mike claims I said, "Really?" again but I don't believe him. Then I said YES about 100 times and gave him my RIGHT hand to put the ring on it. Yes, I am that dumb sometimes. Mike said, "Is that the right hand?" and I said, "No." and gave him my left hand.

All that aside, it truly was a 100% perfect proposal. The ring is beautiful, but that's not what's important. The man is what is important and I have found the best of the best. I love him more every day. I never thought it would be different once we got engaged but it is. Our relationship is more meaningful than ever, which I didn't think was possible. I'm excited for a wedding but I'm more excited for a marriage with my soul mate. Love him!

The World War II Memorial. See the big stone overlook? That's where it happened! I think my blog cuts it off so if you click on it, I think it shows the whole photo.

Here's THE picture.

This is my favorite picture from the night. I know how happy I was, but this shows how happy Mike was.

I can't WAIT!!!