Joe and Maria went on a road trip to Colorado in late October. To save time, they drove through the night and they arrived in Colorado Springs the next day. They spent that day hiking and visiting their favorite spots. After dinner, Joe suggested going to the Garden of the Gods to watch the sunset. They climbed to a private spot with a view and Joe asked Maria to marry him! Although Maria was tempted to prank Joe with her answer, she said, "yes!" They were both so excited and possibly a little loopy from lack of sleep, but they stayed in their bliss and watched the sunset behind the mountains. They had plans to meet a couple of friends who lived in Denver that same night and Maria begged Joe to reschedule due to her exhaustion. Joe was so eager to get her there that he tried everything including bribery (Maria had control of the music the whole drive back to Minnesota). Finally she agreed to go and when they arrived to meet their two friends, Maria was shocked that a whole group of their college friends had flown from all over the country to come celebrate their engagement! The rest of their trip was full of celebration!