Since Austin and I started dating I had always dreamed of traveling out west, specifically Colorado and Utah. Well, over a year and a half later that dream came true! And what a better way to go then with the man I loved and wanted to share all of my dreams with. The photo above is from the day we left in the airport. Still one of my favorite photos to date, I was so excited just to be going on this trip... I had no idea there was another HUGE reason to be grinning from ear to ear ;)

We spent our first few days traveling through the BEAUTIFUL state of Colorado with a building anticipation of the end of our trip which would be spent in Moab, Utah. One of those days towards the end of our trip and our final destination, Austin disappeared. For a couple of HOURS, of course I was confused as to why my parents were playing it off as no big deal, and momma had said Austin"went for a walk" in the middle of a little neighborhood at least 3 miles from the closest town.

Some time later Austin had reappeared, cool as a cucumber, and all I remember thinking is "where did he go to be gone for hours on this walk?"... also... it was raining.

Later I would find out he had walked 3 MILES *in the RAIN* to town and went to every single jewelry store it had to offer until he was able to find the most perfect ring and continued to walk 3 miles *in the RAIN* back. I mean how romantic is that!!! If that act right there doesn't scream dedication and love, then I don't know what does.

We arrive in Utah and go straight to Arches National Park. If you have never heard of it I definitely recommend looking it up or visiting as it is one of the most amazing places I have ever been!!! When we checked the weather that morning we knew it would be spotty so we tried to beat it by driving through the park to some of the major rock formations. Soon we arrived at "Balancing Rock". One of the most mind bending formations we had been to that day that also happened to have an outstanding view where you could see for miles.

When we walked up to the formation I was in awe (AKA looking UP) and taking in the breathtaking scenery. We started to see a dust storm/lightening storm heading towards us in the distance but paid it no mind because we weren't far from our car.

Next thing I know my parents who were once in front of us disappeared and it was just Austin and I. At one point I was looking up at the formation when I heard Austin call my name. I turned around to see this wonderful man kneeling before me with a RING in his hand. To say I immediately started ugly crying would be an understatement LOL. I couldnt contain myself I was jumping with joy and immediately went in to hug Austin when he mentioned I forgot to speak! After I heard the words "will you MARRY me" I had only managed to mutter a "Mhm". So of course I erupted with the word "YES" over and over until we managed to look over our shoulders and notice the storm heading straight for us. We hauled our hinies back to the car (finding my parents hiding behind a rock taking pictures of us on the way).

Once we got to the car it really hit me, I was getting married! This man had already proven once that he was in the business of making my dreams come true and he had just crossed another one off of the list! Tears of joy and cheers of excitement filled the car as we continued through the park and that night we celebrated by going to a little diner in Moab.

Now it was time to go home and this time I was getting on the plane as a ENGAGED woman!!!!

My smile at the beginning of this trip was just a foretelling sign that it was going to be the best trip of my life. I love Austin with my whole heart and I cannot WAIT for all of you to join us on our special day! Its coming soon folks :)

See you at the wedding ;)

Yours truly,

Nat<3