It was a basic Wednesday night at the library when it suddenly turned into the best night of our lives. Ashley saw Ben walk through the door and he had an aura about him, like Fabio on one of those romantic novels. It was destiny.... As great as that sounds we actually caught each others attention in the romantic setting of a dating website. We began messaging back and forth then exchanged numbers, went out a few times, thought we could keep seeing each other and the rest is history. In those beginning days we ate Mexican, saw a boxing movie, and for the life of us we can't remember what Ashley made for Ben on the night he came over and hung out for his birthday dinner. But it was something great we know. Ben thinks it was probably meatloaf, but Ashley just isn't sold (It was August).

After about a year or so of dating, Ben decided to take on a new challenge in his professional career which involved moving to California. During those six months we really had to try to make this work which meant a lot of travel and a lot of video chats. During those six months the toughest time for Ben was not being around for the Cubs World Series run. On one trip home Ben made a point to stop by Harry Caray's grave to get the team some good luck and apparently it worked. During Ashley's visits to California we were able to celebrate New Years Eve, go to Universal Studios, and on Valentine's Day we met up in San Diego. After six months of being in California it was time for a change so Ben donated all of his stuff and caught the first flight home. Ben moved in with Ashley and the rest is history.

We have always talked about getting married, and starting a family and all that good stuff. Ashley probably has been talking about it longer, but Ben was right on the same page :) Ashley was on to him before the weekend it happened and had texted a friend. The friend quickly warned Ben, "she's on to you, you better do this soon!", then patiently waited for the news. Ashley thought this would happen over Labor Day home in MN for the state fair (I mean engagement ring on a stick!? Could have been great). But, Ben being the planner he is, decided to wait and do it on a trip to UT to visit some of Ashley's best friends. Our main reason for going was to attend a cowgirl themed birthday so Ben carefully planned out how to make it happen. He was wearing his flannel shirt all day and had the ring in his pocket even while riding the mechanical bull (not his greatest idea). Ben then waited to make sure to let the birthday girl have her day and as the party was wrapping up he moved his plan into action. Using a ploy of needing to change, we went inside. Ben threw Ashley off by asking for a hug, fumbling for his phone, and then as she was getting more annoyed he started playing "Flannel" by Justin Timberlake. Pause here to go YouTube the song and listen if you haven't heard it. It's real good. So now that you're back, the first lyric as you now know is "right behind my left pocket, that is where you'll feel my soul"....can you guess what happened next? Yep, ring was in his left flannel pocket. He brought Ashley's hand up to his chest placed her hand on his heart and she felt the ring, she cried of course, and Ben got down on one knee. Now, the rest is kind of fuzzy, but what we do know is Ashley eventually said yes (details right?), and we celebrated with friends under the stars the rest of the night. It was the perfect ending to an amazing day and an amazing trip with friends. The next day was filled with sharing the good news with friends and family.