We're Engaged!

It was 7 years ago today we got to officially say those words. Does anyone else celebrate their engagement anniversary? We don't really do anything special, and sometimes I don't remember the day until it has passed, but I always like to look back and remember that fun day. Erik had flown in from New York the night before, I believe. The next day, we spent most of our time with Jonna and Justin - my aunt and uncle who set Erik and I up in the first place. I remember going to temple square and the visitors' center. Erik had to keep making phone calls with the excuse that it was about a job he had applied for in Salt Lake (really he was calling his friend, Jory, about the engagement ring). At one point, in the Joseph Smith Building, Jonna pulled me aside and told me Erik wouldn't be able to propose on this trip because the ring wasn't ready in time. I totally believed her and put it out of my mind. Erik says I pouted the rest of the day, but I don't recall that :) That afternoon, we stopped at Jory's mortgage office and the boys ran in to "pick up some mortgage documents." They even came back with a phony folder of paperwork and talked mortgage strategy for the next while. In reality, they had picked up the engagement ring. (Thanks for helping us with that, Jory!!) For dinner we ate at Ruby River in Provo. Then Jonna and Justin suggested we hike up Y Mountain to the rock where they were engaged. Honestly, I wasn't that thrilled about the idea, but I went along with it. We hiked to the rock and took some pictures. Of course Jonna and Justin knew what was going on, so they had us tell our story up to that point on video camera. Then, they said they were ready to go. I started to follow, but Erik said he wanted to stay and take more pictures and that we would catch up to them later. I swear I was still totally and innocently oblivious at this point. Like I said, Jonna convinced me it wasn't happening! So, when Erik pulled out a ring box from the camera case, I was completely shocked. I'm so glad they tricked me! It was fun to be suprised. Then, sweet Erik got on one knee on top of that rock and proposed. Happy engagement anniversary, honey. I'd say yes again in a heartbeat!

This is a before picture, by the way. It was while we were telling our story. From the look on my face, it looks like Erik was telling his side of it.



After it was official, we went to the hotel where Jonna and Justin and my grandparents were staying. Then they took video of the rest of our story. I'm so glad they thought of that! Then, we headed to my parents' house to spread the news. Brett's expressions are classic teenage brother, I think.










Jonna and Justin, what can I say? 7 years, a little boy and one on the way. Look what you started! We can never say thank you enough for deciding that an 8 1/2 year age difference was no big deal. I'm so glad you guys were a part of that day with us - it was so fitting that the people who set us up played such a big role in our engagement story. We love you guys!!!