That's My Man...

Patrick is amazing... for those of you that know him, know that he is incredible with dates and remembering special events. Often people joke that it is the man that forgets anniversaries and birthdays- but not my guy. In fact, I have to ask him to help me remember certain things. He knows the date we first met, the date of our first kiss, the list goes on.

Today is a very important date and I have to admit, I totally forgot. On this day, three years ago, the appearance of my left hand changed forever. That's right, February 2, 2006 Patrick asked me to be his wife.

We had looked at rings and even picked one out, but they told us that it would take 2 weeks to have it sized. So I knew that our 'official' engagement would have to wait a bit... at least I thought.

Patrick is an amazing photographer and has taken seasonal pictures of the same waterfall... Spring, Summer, Fall... only the Winter season was missing. SO, on February 2nd he invited me to join him up the canyon to get the shot.

It was freezing and there was tons of snow but it was perfect conditions. We carried up the tri-pod and his camera bag was on his back. He got it all set up and then asked me if I could get him a different lens from the bag. As I opened the bag I saw a box from the jewelery store. I couldn't believe it. As I turned around, there he was on one knee, in the snow. "Erin, I love you, will you marry me?" He then pulled out a beautiful rose he had been hiding in his jacket.

.

There was lots of kissing and several giggles. He gave me a piggy back ride back down the snowy path. All I could do is squeeze his neck and stare at my beautiful ring. We made some phone calls to family, but then headed to Sundance for dinner at the Foundry Grill. There is no cell phone coverage there, so it was our own private time. We talked and talked and he told me how when he first moved to Utah he only had a bike and several times a week he would ride up to this waterfall. He thought it was so beautiful and would be the perfect place to someday propose. Today was that someday.

This afternoon, Patrick asked me what I had in mind for dinner. When I gave him my planned menu he asked if I would be ok with something a little bit different... he knows me so well... I love surprises. He had made reservations at the Foundry Grill in Sundance. How Romantic!

The food was incredible and we enjoyed our table by the fire place.

The night we got engaged one of my students was working the deli counter right out the restaurant. I introduced her to Patrick and showed her my ring. She gave us hugs and then gave us a free sucker. So now it is a tradition... every time we eat there we have to get a sucker. Yum!

I love you so much Patrick. Thank you for all you do and for being so thoughtful. You make life fun and meaningful. How blessed I am to have you as my man!