Lakeside Proposal

The spontaneous camping trip started on a Monday, in Wyoming.

We (Tyler and I) went tubing out at Sand Creek--one of our favorite summer haunts (and a local secret shhh).

A couple of friends (Brandon and Brendan) joined us and we tubed the day away.

Before we knew it..we were heading out to Lake Roubaix with all our camping gear in tow.

Another friend (Kaylie) meets us out there.

We unpack by the lake. It's a full moon. We light a campfire and roast hot dogs.

It's beautiful out, and Kaylie sleeps in her hammock.

Brandon sleeps on the picnic table, and Brendan in his beloved sleeping bag from the army.

Tyler and I sleep in the tent, Boe dog cuddled up next to us.

The next day Kaylie paints in her travel journal and the boys race kayaks across the lake.

Boe chases geese and rides in the kayak with me.

We set up the disc basket and have a putting tournament.

The boys attempt to throw their discs across the lake, while Kaylie and I post up in the kayaks--ready to paddle over to any disc gone astray.

Only Brendan's disc makes it all the way across the lake.

Later, he (somehow) takes a nap in a kayak.

Kaylie and Brandon leave.

Brandon returns with our friend Kole.

Shenanigans continue; another night, another campfire.

When we finally retire to the tent, right there beneath the gods and the stars, he says:

"I've been thinking about something, but I don't know how you'd feel about it."

..I already know what he's thinking. I've been thinking about it too.

"Would you.....(he pauses forever)......wanna get married?"

His hands are in my hair.

"Of course" I say. I can feel my face turn warm in the dark.

In the morning, we make coffee and eggs over the fire and pack up our stuff.

We don't tell our friends right away, reveling in each other for a while.

As soon as I have cell service, I call Kaylie to tell her.