sophast

13,000 feet over the valleys and mountains of Park City, UT while the sun was rising...I asked her to marry me.



And she said yes

The week or so before, I went down to her father's house and asked his permission and got his blessing to ask his daughter to marry me. I went and picked out a beautiful diamond ring...something I never thought in a million years I'd ever do. Period. It was perfect. Even at the store when the jewler placed the diamond in the setting I knew it was right. Myself, the saleslady, the manager and the jeweler all sighed a collective "wowww". Some woman with her fiance standing a counter over goes, "what...what's so special about that ring, what is it, no one sighed when my ring came out." Yeah, it was kinda cool. It's not some ridiculously huge diamond or anything. Just elegant, and beautiful....and it looks just fucking amazing on her. It's just a piece of rock...but I'll be damed if there isn't something to be said for goofy traditions.

So I told Kami we needed to be up early for a surprise. We drove to a hotel in town where the shuttle picked us up. She was looking very confused at first. Like, why are we up at the ass-crack of dawn at a hotel, when you live half a mile away? Then the shuttle van pulled up with the balloon logo and it all clicked. The jig was up. Little did she know the "other" surprise awaiting her



It was perfect...an absolutely perfect morning. Blue skies, warm summer air, and just a hint of gentle breeze. Perfect to go a few thousand feet up over the mountains

And so we did...up we went. And it was quiet (when the burners weren't going) and calm and peaceful. We saw a herd of elk grazing and a big buck leaping across a stream, running for cover in the aspen stands.

With my arms wrapped around her from behind, I pulled the box from my pocket. My chin on her shoulder I turned to her ear and told her that I loved her. That I loved her more than anyone in the whole wide world, and meant ever word of it. Then I asked her to marry me.....and she said yes. "Yes Ryan, I love you too...and yes I will marry you!" The ring went on her finger and we kissed. Holy freaking wow....



We spent the rest of the flight holding each other in silence, stealing kisses and taking in the amazing view. When we landed, we had a traditional champagne toast that happens after any balloon flight...and the crew wished us health, happiness and clear skies...

We're already planning on coming back for our anniversary. I'm in love....in love like I've never been before, and it feels great. Fan-freaking-tastic.