Engaged!

Phil and I are engaged!

While planning a February trip to Fairbanks, Alaska to visit my sister and her boyfriend, Phil got me very excited to see the Aurora Borealis. He started looking at the forecast in December and we purchased a wardrobe suitable for a winter explorer's sub-zero expedition so that we could brave the cold for a couple hours to watch the beautiful lights.

On the night of February 13th, Phil and I bundled up in our snow garb and drove 20 minutes outside the city, up to Ester Dome to escape the city lights so we could see the Aurora better. We found a pull out that had a path down to a clearing and this is what we saw...



Phil took some amazing pictures with his fancy camera as I stared in awe at the lights. After he was satisfied with his pictures, we lied down in the snow and watched the stars and the lights. After a while, we got a bit chilly so I got up and moved around a bit and Phil took some more pictures...



Though I think both of us could have watched the lights forever, it seemed we were both mentally preparing to head back to the car. We stood together to watch the lights for just a few more minutes. Phil kissed me, told me he loved me, then faster than I could realize what was about to happen, he got down on one knee, pulled out a beautiful ring, and asked me to marry him. I think my exact words were "Oh my God babe! Yes! Of course!!". And then he said "Let's see if we can get this on without dropping it in the snow." Yes, let's see if we can do that ;)

Then there was more hugging and kissing and picture taking. I kept needing to pause and put my hand in my pocket to warm it back up as Phil attempted to get a good shot of the ring on my hand. He must have been nervous...it took him a few tries to get the camera on the right setting.



And that is our wonderful engagement story!

We thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our visit in Alaska, pictures of which I will post some other time...when I have less homework I should be doing :)