how it happened. (part 1)

so yesterday ryan wanted to go to dumbarton oaks (http://www.doaks.org/gardens/) in the afternoon. usually I am the one dragging us from monument to event to tourist trap on the weekends, so when he suggested going for the afternoon, I was all for it.

we went to target and trader joe's in the morning for groceries, then we came back and ate lunch. I had to run to macy's to return something, and ryan said he would take the dogs out while I was gone. when I got home, though, he still hadn't taken them. (I was a little annoyed, since it was starting to drizzle and I didn't want to go to a garden in the rain.) so I took the dogs on a walk. when I got back, I went to brush my teeth before we left (ryan will tell you this is weird...I didn't think it was weird.) and I couldn't find my toothbrush. I asked where it was, and he said he didn't know. (right.)

so we get in the car, and head over to georgetown. the gardens are beautiful, and you take a self-guided tour through the various parts of the (massive) estate. we walked past a bench, and ryan said we should sit down for a minute. so we were just sitting there, looking out over the expanse of land, and ryan kind of shifted his weight. the next thing I knew, he was down on one knee...the rest is kind of a blur...I know the words "will you marry me" came out of this mouth at some point, but I don't really remember what else he said. I said yes, and put the (gorgeous, perfectly-sized) ring on my finger. I was in total shock...

so we started onto the next portion of the tour, and then I started crying. I was so happy, and so in shock...I didn't know what to do with myself. as we continued walking, there were a coupld of guys walking up the hill behind us. the one guy said something to the effect of "your hair is beautiful...it made my day" to which I turned around and blurted out "thanks...I just got engaged. that made my day" to which he started crying. they took a few pictures of us and we stood and talked to them for a few minutes. I was obviously willing to tell anyone and everyone that I was engaged! ;)

I called my dad, who knew this was going to be happening because ryan listened to my hints and asked my dad before he asked me. thank goodness my dad can keep a secret! with cally's wedding in november, it's not looking like he will get his corvette for a few more years...

then I called my mom, who was on her way back from a bridal shower. she was freaking out, and had to pull over the car to avoid an accident. she wanted details, and I think she is still in shock...

I finally got in touch with my sister after that. we can now plan together!! :)