It was the first weekend in March, 2002. Ben was visiting from Utah and we had decided to spend a Saturday at Newport Beach (about 1 1/2 hours away). There were certain things that I wanted to do, while Ben had an agenda of his own. He was adamant that we spend some time flying a kite on the beach, which we did, but then he wanted to take a super long walk and look for seashells. I was less than keen on this, but I gave in.
After walking aimlessly for what seemed like hours we stopped at a newly vacated log and sat down. Ben decided he wanted to have the kite stick up in the sand so he started digging a little hole for it and struck something. He pulled a weathered glass bottle out of the sand and noticed that there was something inside.
He wanted the break open the bottle but I flat-out refused. I was certain that we were interfering with some family's scavenger hunt. Against my better judgement I watched Ben break open the bottle and pull out an old piece of leather with a map and writing on it. Ben was totally excited about it, thinking we could go on a treasure hunt. I was pissed that he had ruined someone's careful planning. It never occurred to me that he would have something to do with this.
He noticed that the map looked like a nearby cape and suggested that we go over there. I wanted to go to the Aquarium instead. He compromised and said that we could go to the Lighthouse on the cape first, since it was close-by, and then go to the Aquarium. We did the whole Lighthouse tour and then Ben used our proximity to the marked area on the map to coerce me into finding out what the deal was.
The map said something about a big rock and looking underneath it so Ben found this big rock, moved it and dusted some of the dirt away. Underneath we could see and top of a box. This is the point where I completely flipped out. I practically ran away, convinced that this whole thing was a trick and that there was something really bad in that box. While I was hyper-ventilating as far away as possible Ben got the box out of the ground and opened it up.
He called me closer once he convinced me that there wasn't a head in the box. There was a pillow of green velvet with a silver jewel box. It didn't even click when he was on his knee, holding this box out, asking me to open it. I eventually did, he said some really romantic things and I said yes. At least I swear I SAID yes, he would beg to differ.
I felt really bad for almost ruining all of his hard work, I honestly had not been expecting him to propose then so it was a complete surprise. The poor guy had put so much thought and work into the whole ordeal and my attitude left a lot to be desired. At least I said yes!
Happy Anniversary Sweetie, may the next 70 years be as exciting and fun-filled as these past 7!
6 comments:
What a beautiful bride! So glad you're a member of our family, Nicki. Hope you get to do something fun today.
What an awesome engagement story! I had never heard it! Ben is so creative! Happy Anniversary you guys! :)
Krud! I can't believe I missed your aniversary! Oh, I see, I mislaid Arianne's Occasion Calendar, and the one on the wall is from last January. Dumb Me! Still unforgivable.
I love you, love you, love you, and am so thrilled you are in our family. And I'll see you June 4th! Hooray!
Happy Anniversary! And I think that is probably the best engagement story I've ever heard! (Makes me so jealous.)
You're right, that story never gets old. I'm not sure I've heard you tell it either. I love it! Congratulations you guys. I love being able to learn from your great example. Thank you!
i know it is late..but i have not been able to be on my computer that has all my blog list because of the virus that was once on it..but anyhow HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! woohoo! U guys are the best!!
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