We're getting married!

We met in January of 2011 through work (shout out to Olive Garden haha). Never thought anything of it. We were simply coworkers that both left that job the same year and went our separate ways (Adios, Au Revoir, Sayonara). Fast forward to January 2015 where social media has taken over the world and we cross paths again via Facebook. (Thank goodness for "people you may know"!) A simple "Hey Stranger" turned into plans for our first date. After that, the rest was history.

So what I didn't mention in the reconnection was that I (Amanda) was living in Odessa at the time and Bo was living in Arlington. (Talk about long distance!) We decided that our first date would be in Abilene. After driving many miles and my nerves almost getting the best of me, we met up in Abilene and had our first 2 dates. After that, it was continuous plans to see each other again. We drove many many miles, and thankfully in May 2015 I moved a little closer (back to Abilene) for work. The distance was hard and at times we were exhausted from all of the traveling but it was all more than worth it. The miles were no obstacle for us, but I sure am glad that he finally convinced me to move to Arlington.

Oh he's a sneaky one & I played into the entire plan!! After talking to my parents, I decide that I want to go to Pecos for the weekend to visit. Bo graciously agrees and we plan our trip. (My idea to visit right? so I think nothing of it.) My mom knows that I pretty much live in gym shorts and t-shirts so she gets this great idea to plan family pictures so that I'll actually dress up. (I got dressed up-ish...) After pictures, my family says they are heading home for dinner. My brother asks if we would go to the store for him, so I say sure and again, I don't think anything of it. We happen to pass the rodeo grounds (which I had told Bo plenty of times was my all time favorite pastime from back home). Bo says something along the lines of "We're actually not in a rush for once, do you mind if we check out the rodeo grounds so that I can finally see everything you've been telling me about". I agree (told you I played right in to everything). The back gate just happens to be open so Bo decides to drive in, park and get out of the vehicle so that we can look around. There is a young girl practicing barrel racing so I'm hesitant. We start walking and I'm just talking away explaining different things about the rodeo. I notice that the girl has stopped practicing and her and her family keep watching us. Me being me, I'm afraid we are going to get in trouble so I keep insisting we turn back, but Bo, in true fashion says "We're fine, the worst that can happen is they'll just ask us to leave".

We continue walking and a good ol' mosquito gets Bo on the wrist. He swats at it. (I promise that it has relevance to the story.) We continue walking and it happens again, so again, he swats at his wrist. At this time I see people start to walk out from behind the bucking shoots and it takes a while for me to register that it's my family. (They thought he was tapping his watch and that it was time. LOL). I'm confused and I start to turn and ask "what is my family doing here?". At this point I see that Bo is down on one knee and states "Because I'm going to marry you". After that it was a blur. My family runs up with my brother in Japan, my sister in Houston and Bo's parents back in Abilene, all on FaceTime watching. "Because I'm going to marry you...", I'm still not sure if he ever asked (I like to tease him about that) to which his response is "because I don't want to give you an opportunity to say no". Oh but darling, my heart was shouting YES the moment I turned and saw you on your knee. A lot of planning went in to this all (and the girl practicing and her family knew what was about to happen). I am beyond grateful for everyone that helped to make that day absolutely perfect. We truly are blessed.