Best Christmas Ever!!!

So, it's been a while since I last wrote. Part of that is just from trying to catch up on everything since coming home from Peru and part of it is just from being too tired to sit down and really write. My travels home were very long, but not too terrible. I spent my layover in Atlanta by splurging on a one-day pass at the Delta Sky Lounge. It was a nice place for me to just sit and chill away from the crowds. I slept and watched movies on Netflix. It was pretty nice. I got home and the first person I saw was Spencer. He had gotten a gate pass and had just arrived at the gate as they were opening the door. I was lucky enough to be the first passenger out. It was a wonderful surprise to see him right away. We walked together to meet my family. As I got closer, I left him and took off running, screaming and squealing as I saw my family and wrapped my arms around them all.

Since then, I have been busy with shopping to replace my wardrobe (I left pretty much everything in Peru), getting my bridesmaids dress fitted (my friend's wedding is only 5 days away!), celebrating my 23rd birthday and traveling to my sister's in Rochester, New York for Christmas. That's where I am currently. And since arriving on Thursday, I have had the best Christmas ever. And you know why?? Because I got engaged to my best friend!!!



On Friday, my family planned to have pictures taken since we haven't had them taken since my sister's wedding 3.5 years ago. Well, the morning started off rough because my sisters were teasing me about how we (Spence and I) should just get married at city hall where we were planning to have our pictures taken (they have a pretty impressive courtyard, foyer thing). Well, I was getting upset because I can only take so much joking and I really hate having pictures done. So, I was starting to shut-down and Spence saw it. As we were setting up for the first pictures (after waiting for another couple to get married where we were wanting to take our pictures), the photographer and my family had me switch places with my grandma who was sitting in a chair front and center. I was confused, but didn't want to make my mom mad by grumbling. So, I plopped myself down. Next thing I know my family is trying to get Spence to come over and join the picture. Everyone kept telling him to come over and he was waiting. I finally just looked at him and said to come over now. I looked away and then before I knew it he was in front of me on his knee talking about how he couldn't be in the family pictures until he was officially a part of the family. He pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him. By this point, I had my face covered with my hand and tears streaming down my face. I said yes and instantly hugged him. I was shaking and not taking my promise ring off for him to put the engagement ring on. My family all laughed at me and told me to change it. We hugged and kissed and laughed and cried. And the photographer caught all of it. I haven't seen the pictures yet but will hopefully have them soon and can post them.

So there you have it. I have made it home from Peru safe and sound. And got the best Christmas present ever... I got a beautiful ring and get to marry my best friend. I am pretty sure I haven't stopped smiling since Friday. Tomorrow I am going to get to try on wedding dresses with all of my sisters, grandma and mom. I am pretty excited. So yeah. That's been my crazy, wonderful life since coming home and celebrating Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!!!

p.s. My entire family knew the plan and time of the proposal. They had a family meeting before I got home from Peru and were all in it. Especially in getting the photographer to work out the picture taking! And the pics here are the ones my sister took afterwards. Enjoy! :)