For the bird lovers

Its no secret that I have a thing for Peacocks.  Well I also have a thing for owls.  And just happened upon this website that shares my love.

I am particularly liking this wreath.

And these cute salt and pepper shakers.

I wonder if Michael would notice a big Peacock wreath hanging in the house...

http://www.shopplasticland.com/c/Birds-Feathers.html&offset=0&sort=

I'm Engaged!

So on our trip to Washington, my wonderfully sweet boyfriend surprised me with the most amazing gift.

About 2 months ago my parents came to visit Michael and I in Memphis.  Unbeknownst to me at that time my dad asks Michael what his intentions were in regards to me.  Michael won't tell me the full details, but he said something to the effect of wanting to spend his life with me.  About a week later he called my dad and officially asked him if it would be ok to ask me to marry him.  My dad said yes, of course.
Then Michael was very tricky, or maybe resourceful would be a better word.  A little while after Michael and I started dating I started my Wedding board on Pinterest.  You know, just in case.  Well clever Michael, he signed up for Pinterest under the pretext that he wanted to see if it had anything to offer guys.  What he really did was go in and print out all of the ring pictures I had pinned.  The next day he told me he didn't find anything useful in it so he canceled his account.  He had what he needed though.  He took the pictures to a jeweler and found me the perfect ring!
He said he had decided to propose in Seattle since he knew it was such a special place to me.  The day we were in Seattle was the very last day of our trip.  So for the whole week leading up to it, Michael was carrying the ring around Washington and apparently having little pow-wows with everyone we saw.  I think I am one of the only people in Washington who didn't know this was going to happen.
So Monday we headed from my grandparents up to Seattle.  We started the day walking around the UW campus, and then driving through some of my favorite neighborhoods.  We even went and visited the Fremont Troll. Then we made our way downtown for our reservations at the Spaceneedle.  I had wanted to take him there to celebrate his birthday which was the next day.  A few minutes after we sat down at our table and the waiter had brought us some water, Michael suggested we take a picture with the beautiful view of the sound in the background.  I said I wanted to wait until the city came back into view.  It took us about 20 minutes to get back around and I meanwhile was pointing out different landmarks and telling Michael about Seattle.  He was quiet and I thought just listening to me and enjoying the view.  Apparently he was actually in agony waiting.  Once the city got back into view, we waved our waiter over to take a picture of us.  Michael got up and made his way over to my side of the table.  He pulled the chair out, and then...

Michael getting down on one knee and presenting me with a ring and the best 4 words ever, Will you marry me?!  

Me in complete and utter shock not believing what was happening.

Taking it all in.

YES, of course!!!

(So happy!)

Slipping on the ring.

Happily newly engaged on the top of the world!!

Beautiful

(And perfect since I had gotten a manicure for my brothers wedding)

Needless to say it was the perfect ending to a great trip.  

Now, into planning mode.

Visiting Home

So I realize I am a little late in posting this, but better late than never!  My visit back home to Washington state was a magical one.  I got to see family I haven't seen in a long time.  I got to spend some quality time with high school friends, family friends and college friends.  My brother got married.  AND I got engaged!!  (but thats for another post)
Warning:  Lots of pictures!

Our family friends the Storedahl's hosted a great BBQ for us.  I love when they host things at their house.  The outdoor living area they have is absolutely amazing.

Relaxing before the party

Tracie, moms friend and one of my other mothers.

The ladies of the family

Grandma

Papa

I got to drink some Washington brewed beer!!  I miss this stuff so much!

The grill masters

Took a trip up to the old house and stopped to admire the gorgeous view from a real hill!

The mountain made an appearance!  (luckily we were sitting still in traffic so I had plenty of opportunity to take a pic)

Me and sis at Derrick's wedding.

Michael and I at the wedding. (yes I did change dresses)

Showing Michael around one of my favorite cities, had to get a pic with the troll!

One of my favorite parts of the trip, CELEBRATING and catching up with these amazing ladies!!  

(Now go to next post to see why we're celebrating)