Can you remember who you sat next to in your 8th grade social studies class? I sent next to Kenny, the sweet, goofy boy who would save me a seat next to him at lunch every day and make me laugh at the smallest thing. If you asked Kenny who he sat next to in 8th grade social studies he would say "Erin, the girl who's granny panties always stuck out of her jeans..." Romantic, right? But that's how we met, in our most (okay, my most) uncomfortable, awkward middle school days - but I wouldn't have it any other way. Kenny and I continued to be friends throughout middle and high school, attending freshman homecoming and junior prom together (don't worry, there's pictures to prove it). We didn't lose touch until I went to college and moved to Philadelphia. Most people don't think Philadelphia is that far away but if you ask me, it's a whole other world. Four years later & Dewey Beach brought us back together in May of 2014. Kenny saw that I was home from college and with a little bit of alcohol and just the right amount of courage he sent me a text, asking if I wanted to go out for drinks. At first I was hesitant and put it off for months and months but Kenny's persistency paid off. I finally said yes to dinner and drinks and we've been inseparable ever since.

In September of 2018 Kenny's parents offered us a pair of tickets to Longwood Gardens that they had not gotten around to using. Neither myself, nor Kenny, had ever been to Longwood so we figured what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than wandering around somewhere new and drinking beer! We went & had a fantastic day, both agreeing we would be go back in December to see one of the holiday light shows. That December Kenny surprised me with tickets to Longwood so we could see all of the holiday exhibits. On December 15th Kenny and I made our way to Longwood. Kenny lead me all around the outdoor gardens on what can only be described as a brisk POWER WALK, not even stopping to look at anything, just weaving through people, making our way to the floating Christmas tree exhibit in the Conservatory. We make our way to the front of the reflection pond and Kenny stops and asks "Want to take a selfie in-front of the Christmas trees?" If you know Kenny you know that was just about the strangest thing to ever come out of his mouth because he loathes any and all pictures. BUT, I never turn down a cute selfie, so I stopped, wait for our turn in front of the exhibit and smiled, waiting for Kenny to snap the selfie.... mid smile he drops to one knee and pops the question! In total disbelief I didn't even realize what was happening until I heard cheering (actually screaming) and look over to see all of our parents and Kristy (our own personal hype girl) standing there and snapping pictures! To make a special night even better Kenny had planned dinner with our families in Kennett Square, followed by a drive to Philly where all of our friends were waiting for us at our favorite bar to celebrate!