As I woke up, I knew we had a long day of travels ahead of us. We were staying at Izak's parents new house in Wasilla, Alaska for spring break. I was ready at 9:30am, which is when we were all suppose to be heading out the door to head to a ski resort to explore. However, as 11am rolled around, Izak and his dad still weren't back from the gym. If you know me, you know being late doesn't make me the happiest person to be around. Finally, they pulled up in the car and we loaded everything up. As I ask Izak why they were so late, "It was all HIS fault! He took so long to get ready after the gym!" he says as he points to his dad. I believe him and start packing my things into the truck, however I notice Izak wearing a nice sport coat. This is when the wheels in my head start turning. Now we are on the road starting the two hour car ride to Alyeska Ski Resort. Once we arrive, the restaurant they had planned to eat lunch at was closed. So we ate at the ski chalet and had a nice meal. After that, we walk around the resort and took the tram up to the top of the mountain. It was so pretty up there!! Once we got a few pictures and nothing very eventful happened ;) we took the tram back down to the ground. It was about 3pm now and Maria was very adamant about leaving the resort at 3:30pm, so we were going to go for a short hike, then hit the road to our final destination where we were staying for the night. Once we reach the meadow where we were going to 'hike,' I notice a woman with a large camera taking pictures of nature. My wheels are really turning now. Shortly after, Izak pulls me aside and proposes! Of course, I said YES! Once I stopped crying tears of joy, we got to have our pictures taken with my stunning new engagement ring. It was magical. Of course, I called my family and friends to share the exciting news! They were so happy for us! Later that night, we popped the champagne and broke out the chocolates and roses that made Izak late to leave that morning <3

Spring break was a great opportunity to visit my parent’s new home in Alaska. We had planned hikes, whale watching, and sight seeing for our time there, but I planned something extra for Monday afternoon, March 15th. I was asking Abbie to marry me. I had asked Abbie’s father for his blessing over Christmas break (it was hit or miss, but thankfully he agreed). So, eager to see my parents and with the ring in tow, we departed Minneapolis airport for Anchorage. By Monday morning the jet lag had mostly worn off, so me and dad woke up at 5:45 for a workout and to grab some festivity supplies. An outing to a world class ski resort called Alyeska Lodge was ahead of us. By the time we were showered and ready we were 2 hours late with empty stomachs and filled with anxious anticipation. Most of the nerves wore off with the help of the amazing mountain views and a nice thick sandwich, so we were ready to explore. We went to the top of the beautiful mountain on a tram car, we grabbed a cup of coffee, and we marveled at the architecture and scenery. The big moment was scheduled for 3:30, so at 3:00 we went to look for the field where we had stationed a photographer. Once I gave the photographer "the signal," I could tell Abbie was getting wise to my game, so I blushed and told her how I felt about her. I told her how amazing she was and how strong she had made me since we met. How she has helped me grow in my faith, as a man, and as a future spouse. With nothing more to be said I got on one knee with the ring and asked her to marry me. She said yes. “So... what do I do now?” “Put it on my finger!!” *sobbing slightly* We had an incredibly fun photo shoot in the cold valley beneath the tree canopy and the mountains. We drove to our hotel (from where the next day our boat tour would depart) and enjoyed a packed dinner and some champagne. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip to propose on, a lovelier girl to propose to, or a more blessed marriage I’m certain is to come.