One year ago today...

David told me that he was taking me to Leavenworth, WA for a few days for my Christmas gift. We had been there once before with David's family and loved it! After dating for 5 1/2 years, my mind starting getting excited thinking this would be the perfect time to propose. But being the very poor college students we were, I knew there was no way David could afford a ring so I tried to not think about it. We left on Monday and drove through the snowy passes for 5 hours to get there. We stayed at Granite Hills Inn, an adorable Bed & Breakfast. When we arrived there was very little snow, but at dinner that night the white flakes started coming down. By the time we woke up the next morning, over 8 inches covered the ground. Later, I found out this was very lucky for David since his plan would not have worked out otherwise.

Our little B & B

On Tuesday, while shopping in town, David told me that he wanted to take us somewhere special for lunch. Having had just eaten breakfast a few hours before, I hesitated but went with it. David drove out of town to a little cabin that does sleigh rides. We walked into the little cabin and the lady said, "you must be here for the private sleigh ride for two". Meanless to say- the surprise was ruined. David told me this was my Christmas present, as his parents present to us was paying for some of the trip- I was very excited. We loaded up the TINY sleigh and bundled up under the blankets. We made our way through the snow covered valley being pulled by two horses, Henry and Mister. About halfway through the trip, David handed me my camera and started taking off the blankets. I was thinking he was crazy because it was so cold. Somehow he managed to get on one knee, and this is where I started crying... and didn't stop. David told me "These past five years have been the best and I can't believe how crazy I still am about you. Every time we are together, I keep falling more and more in love with you. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone but you and I can't wait until I can call you my wife" (this all had to be retold to me multiple times after the proposal because I was in shock and yes still crying). He then reached into his pocket, pulled out the MOST beautiful ring and said "Jenny Rebekah Barnes, Will you marry me?" I nodded because I was still crying and he slipped the ring on my finger. He explained to me after some kissing and hugging that the center stone was my grandfathers (Ponka) ,that passed away a few years ago, and my mom had given it to him. He designed the ring in Ashland and had it made... so perfect! And yes, more tears came. We went back to the town to get some stuff for lunch as we called our family and friends. After a nice lunch of wine and cheese, we dressed up and went out later for a nice dinner. The sleigh ride was perfect, as was the rest of the trip.

The most perfect ring!

After 6 1/2 years together, one year of engagement, and countless memories and milestones I am still so in love with David. I can't wait to be his wife in 7 short months!

Engagement Pictures

Last month, David and I got our engagement pictures taken with our photographer Kirsten Hammerickson. We took them at a local winery- RoxyAnn and an old barn. Here are a few of our favorites...

Pizza and Beer

There is nothing like homemade bbq chicken pizza and beer after a long day...

We bought the dough and topped it bbq sauce, cheese, cooked chicken, red peppers, red onion, green onions, and a little cilantro. Serve with your favorite beer, mine is Blue Moon.