Robert did a great job planning the proposal! (Unfortunately, the jewelry company almost got in his way, but after hundreds of phone calls, an overnight package from Chicago, and a ring delivery to Brewster MN, they were able to work out their differences in the nick of time!)

Of course, I was oblivious to the fact that any of this was going on while it was actually happening. All I knew was that on the 2-year anniversary of the day we met, Robert wanted to take a family picture for us to use in our Christmas card. We were on our way to Comfrey for a family get-together, and we stopped at the grocery store in Lakefield to get buns for Jan. I ran into the store, and when I came back out with the groceries Robert said he and Haylee had decided to take our family picture at the gazebo in the city park. (At that time he had also told Haylee what he was going to ask me, but she kept it a secret!)

This gazebo has a story - the first summer Robert and I were dating, one day we all went to the park and Haylee said, "Let's go play in that gazebo over there!" So we went and when we got there, she put our hands together and said, "Now let's play that you two are getting married."

So on the day of the proposal, Robert asked Haylee if she could re-enact that, and she enthusiastically agreed :) We went to the gazebo, took the photos, and I said, "Ok, let's get going to Comfrey!" And as I walked toward the stairs to leave the gazebo, Haylee stood in my way and said, "Well, are you going to ask her? Are you going to ask her the question?" I had no idea what she was talking about, so I turned to look at Robert - and he was down on one knee, getting the ring out of his pocket. He said a few special words and asked if I would marry him and I said, "Yes!" It was one of the happiest days of my live and I was especially impressed that he asked Haylee to be a part of it (and impressed that she was able to keep the secret!) :)