Monday, July 27, 2009

We interrupt the vacation catch-up for this....


Today Troy asked me to marry him! I, of course, said YES! And I couldn't be more excited about it! :)

We have been waiting for quite some time for temple clearance so that we could make some firm plans.... but in the meantime we have been doing all that we could to have things planned out for October. All the while, waiting for clearance and dealing with some frustrations about the whole process. We just tried to have faith that it would all work out.... and, of course, it did!

Anyway... We had the privilege today of attending the Salt Lake Temple with Troy's nephew Cameron who was taking out his endowments. He is going on a mission in October, to St Louis, Missouri. We are very proud of him and were very happy to be a part of his special day. We all went to the temple today, because it is Troy's Father's birthday... what a great day for Cameron to go through the temple, and for us all to be there together.

After our temple session we were all chatting in the celestial room for a bit and Troy and I decided to look at some of the sealing rooms that were open. All the other family members left, but Troy and I lingered behind to just have some quiet time to ourselves.

We were in one of the sealing rooms talking and enjoying being together. Then all of sudden Troy says something along the lines of 'there is something I haven't told you about yet..' Next thing I know, he is dropping to one knee and holding my hands. He said (and I am certain I am not capturing it exactly right... but it was perfect!), "We received our temple clearance, and I would be so honored if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife?" I cried and said something incoherent and babbling... "yes, I will!" and "Really? We got the clearance?" "Yes, I am so excited and would love to marry you!" Who knows!! I have no idea what I said, but it could not have been a more perfect proposal!

Later I come to find out that the silly boy received the clearance a few weeks ago and was just trying to find the perfect time to propose. Unbeknownst to me, I foiled a few plans accidentally... but it was perfect today and I loved it!

So.... we are excited to annouce our wedding date of October 10th! The ceremony will take place in the Newport Beach Temple! Hooray!

And a few more from the Oregon trip...

One of my favorite views from the trip.... just beautiful!
We had such a great time in Oregon! Thanks everyone for a wonderful trip!!

Shore Acres Botanical Gardens...

These gardens were so amazing!

Bandon and beyond....

Madison and TJ were adventurous enough to take off with Troy and I for a scenic drive back up the coast from Bandon to Coos Bay.... We had a WONDERFUL time with tons of laughter, singing, dancing, and way too much insight into the crazy minds of Troy and I! Hahaha!

The scenic route from Charleston to Bandon...

Sea Lions... it was just insane how many sea lions there were on these rocks/beach! There were actually seals, sea lions and even a northern elephant seal... crazy! So glad we took the scenic route and found this!

More from the Oregon trip... Charleston

Here we are at Charleston Bay. Below is the boat we had picked out for ourselves..... ...but then we realized this one was more in our price range, and decided against moving to a boat. Haha!
Cool fisherman's memorial for those lost at sea... very sad...

WE'RE ENGAGED!!!

Now back to the Oregon updates.... haha!

P.S. Happy Birthday Tom! And Congrats to Cameron on going to the temple today! We are all so proud of you and were so thrilled to share it with you!! Thanks for sharing your day with our engagement too! :)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sea Lion Caves (and Heceta Head)

The Sea Lion Caves are down one very long tiny elevator ride about 200 feet.... and they smell horrid, but it was pretty cool none the less.... there were HUGE bulls and just tons of them piled into this cave....
I preferred this view.... it was out the other side of the cave with a lot more fresh air and still lots of sea lions to see. Plus a view of the lighthouse, which I always like.
back inside the cave...

Monday, July 20, 2009

Umpqua Lighthouse

The Umpqua Lighthouse in Winchester is a very cute little lighthouse that we visited many times. It's on a very scenic little road and is a great viewing place for sunsets. Avery and Madi... Troy, Colleen and Tommy...
And of course the silly version of the photo of Troy and I..... as if we could get by without at least one of those... Haha!
And finally the lighthouse...