We're finally getting married!

What started out as "I think he is cute" turned into a 9 year whirlwind of love. Our first date was at a small park in Pataskala, Ohio where we just hung out talking and listening to music. I knew he was the one when he came to one of my track meets before we had officially started dating. On my 15th birthday, our freshman year of high school, I invited him over and he gave me a birthday card with "Will you be my girlfriend?" written on the inside.

On our first hike into the Rocky Mountain National Park is one I will always remember! Michael was more than excited for the hike, which I chalked up to the fact that we were both looking forward to being in our first NP. We chose a simple walk, around Bear Lake, with his mom, Wendy, and his brother, Chris. At every scenic place around the lake, he would stop us for a photo, then double check the photo, which was odd for him since he never usually likes having his picture taken. We finally found the perfect spot for a picture, right on a large rock with the lake and mountains behind us. He and I posed, then he said he wanted to make sure it was a good photo. I stayed on the rock looking out over the water enjoying the view, when he came back up behind me and asked, “Do you know what would make this even better?” And as I turned around to look at him he was getting down on one knee and pulled out the handmade ring box with the most beautiful ring. He was right. He did make it even better. Of course I said “yes” and of course I cried.