Michelle has known she didn't want to go with a traditional diamond so the hunt for something unique that she would love as trends came and went began. Cody had asked Michelle what styles she liked and after debating he decided on an ice blue sapphire. After picking up the ring Cody realized a key detail was missing. He had asked for the ring to be kite set - a diamond instead of square setting - but it hadn't been done. He had to take the ring back to have it reset. When the ring was ready a week later Michelle beat him to the store and put it on. Having been part of the shopping process she had a good idea of what the ring would look like and was thrilled with the results. She refused to give the ring back and continued to wear it from then on.

Since Michelle already had her proper engagement ring Cody had to do something a little different for the proposal ring. Cody put Michelle's promise ring which he had given her for their second anniversary in the box her engagement ring had been sold in. The promise ring was a gold band with their anniversary engraved inside the band. Cody wanted to propose outside somewhere meaningful to us. On October 9th he planned a date, The two had breakfast at one of their favorite spots in Multnomah Village and set out on a hike through the city. They started on the lower MacLeay trail in north west Portland and made their way to Pittock Mansion, they stopped at the witches' house and saw lots of great birds. After hiking up a 2.5 mile hill they were finally at the Mansion. They went to the gardens in the back of the historic property and looked out onto the city. Michelle was excited and waiting for his proposal since she had notesed the ring box in his pocket that morning. Cody on the other hand was disappointed with the smokiness that had come with wildfires earlier in the week. Cody determined that October 9th was not the day and he would have to try again. How could he possibly propose on a less than perfect day? they walked back down the hill to town for dinner. Cody determined to plan his next proposal worthy date, and Michelle hoping that her proposal -which she had taken 22,000 steps for- would come with dinner. Her proposal didn't come that day.

October 30th, Its spitting. (for non-Oregon people spitting is a kind of light rain that is heavier than misting and lighter than a drizzle) We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in the woods!