I keep pinching myself: last weekend was an unexpected, surprise-filled, emotion-filled adventure in the nation’s capitol. I’d been anticipating seeing P in Washington D.C. since we last saw each other in May (#armylife #longdistance); I didn’t know what was in store for me (us!) though. This would be my first time to D.C., so I was simply excited to explore the area, spend one-on-one time with my guy, and celebrate his birthday on Sunday.

After a long day of walking around the National Mall (23,000+ steps in the humid August sunshine), we freshened up for date night. We ate at District Commons before Uber-ing to the Washington Harbour. Just before I thought we were going to head back to our hotel, P said we should walk down by the river. It was there that he got down on one knee, and pulled out a diamond ring that he had stashed in his pocket the entire evening and asked me to marry him. I was completely shocked, like practically speechless!

It’s wild to think that this blog post (circa October 2010) secretly documents the first time I had a conversation with him on the track at our college gym. Through the ups and downs of life these past six years, this guy has been nothing but my #1 supporter. Now, many jobs and moves later, I can feel his love stronger 3,000 miles away than ever before. Every day, I am grateful to have this guy in my life. My best friend, my encourager, my rock, my shoulder to cry on… I am excited to continue doing life side by side. Love you, P!

Celebrating P’s birthday & our engagement | Sunday, August 21, 2016