The outside temperature in the car read -27. It was Saturday. And it was brutally cold, even for February. California Girls by The Beach Boys was beaming through the speakers as Chad and Brittney (a Cali girl herself) were heading north from their home in Madison. This time they were heading to Chad’s sister and brother-in-law’s home in Bloomer, WI where they live on beautiful rolling hills of what could be a postcard from the great dairyland state. Joining the journey for the first time was Brittney’s sister Lauren and her husband, Jordan. The plan for the day: Have a cousin's sledding party where Lauren and Jordan could meet everyone…but Chad had another plan. The only people in the know were Kelsey, Jason, Lauren, and Jordan. This was essential because the steam for sledding was fading with every degree colder it got. Luckily, the group has a tradition to go for a hike each get-together. Some of the group opted out of going on the hike. This made sense since half the group didn’t know what was about to go down and it was insanely cold out. One other tradition tied to the hike is the group takes a photo at the top of the hill. After the group photo, Chad suggested couples get their picture taken. Before the group got ready to take off down the hill, Chad said to Brittney “I’ve got something cool I want to show you”. Chad pulled out a leather pouch that was tied at the top and got down on one knee. “What the f#%!”, uttered cousin Tim. Everyone assumed it was a positive interjection. On one knee, and Lauren’s camera clicking away, Chad turned to Brittney and asked “Will you be my California Girl?” Brittney blacked out and Chad apologizes for the corniness, but he didn’t care because everything felt so right. Brittney stood there, hands over her mouth, as she shrieked with excitement. And no shock here... Chad was sweating in 27 below zero weather. “Is that a yes?” asked Chad. Nodding her head with tears in her eyes, Brittney exclaimed “YES!”.