My favorite day!

bad, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Monday, July 9, 2007 is a day to remember! Jim asked me to be ready for a surprise adventure at 6 AM. I was to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring along a nice dress, wrap, makeup, and my guitar. I had no idea what to expect.

Jim planned to give me envelopes with clues along the way. I was allowed to ask 10 yes or no questions throughout the day so I had to choose wisely. I noticed we headed north on I-25 when he handed me an envelope with this picture of Michael Jackson as my first clue!

Once we jumped on the toll road toward the airport, I got my first question correct. “Are we going to the airport??”

clue2

clue2, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Jim managed to get me checked in, through security and to our gate before I figured out clue #2 (Wyoming)!

Turbo Props

1plane, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

We boarded a twin turbo prop plane headed for Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a fantastic day or adventure!

Transport

2car, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

We arrived in Jackson Hole to unbelievable weather. It was sunny and in the upper 70’s – a perfect day for a convertible.

Grand Tetons

3tetons, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

The airport conveniently sits on the edge of the Grand Teton National Park. We put the roof down and explored the gorgeous park.

horses

4horses, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Soon, we pulled into the corral at Jackson Lake lodge. Jim had arranged to take me horseback riding through the park. It was a gorgeous two-hour ride on my faithful horse, Rugrat. Rugrat was an Appaloosa and a stubby broom tail. While the other horses walked peacefully along the trail, gracefully swatting the flies from their bellies with their beautiful long tails, Rugrat resorted to veering into the bushes to scratch his tummy and using his back legs to kick the flies. Only once did he buck with both legs off the ground. We became fast friends.

rugrat

5rugrat, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

warning

2warning, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

With about 40 minutes to take-off and about 10 minutes from the airport, we glided along the range in our convertible, soaking in the gorgeous scenery. Then, we noticed the swirling lights in the rear mirrors. Fortunantly, the officer was very gracious and, although curious as to why we flew to his town for only a few hours, let us off with a warning. We returned the car, walked right through security, and boarded the return flight to Denver with minutes to spare.

Feasting

dinner1, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Fox Run

dinner2, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Jim took me back to his house where he asked me to fix myself up and put on the dress he picked out for me to wear. When I came upstairs, I found him wearing a tuxedo andlooking so handsome. I was perplexed because I couldn’t think of any restaurants in the springs that would warrant a tux.

We go tin the car and headed away from town. Soon, I realized that he was taking me to Fox Run Park – the park where he runs and prays, and where we had his spiritual birthday party. We pulled up to the pond and as I looked down at the gazebo. It was lined with candles and rose petals. In the center was a table with roses and place-settings for two. Jim’s friends, Greg and Dan, were waiting for us. They served us kombucha and sushi – my favorites!

Joy

dinner3, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

A beautiful question!

ring2, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

After an amazing feast and feeling absolutely overwhelmed by the way Jim takes such good care of me, he lead me to the waters edge and asked me to sit down. He told me all the things he loves about me and then knelt down and asked if I would marry him. I said that it would be my honor! He pulled out a gorgeous ring and put it on my finger. WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!

Togetherness

ring1, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Happiness

ring3, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

Other Official things!

signing, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

The next morning, after Jim picked me up and took me to breakfast, we pulled out his new fountain pen and contract from Ohio State. Within 24 hours, two of Jim’s greatest dreams have come to fruition. We are officially engaged and we are officially going to Ohio! These last few months have been a wonderful adventure and are just the beginning of many more adventures to come!