Life Through My Eyes: "The Proposal - Our Engagement Story"

Keith just created our wedding website. We only purchased the site for one year, so I will be posting the stories on my blog so that we can enjoy them in writing forever:)

Keith’s version: DISNEYLAND

Family Picture

Jen’s version: Yes Yes I know........ How did this FINALLY happen?!

Keith was scheduled to race the UCI (means big deal) CXLA cross after dark event in LA over Thanksgiving weekend. I wanted to support him with a smile, cowbell and a handmade sign. However, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to sacrifice time with my family (aka my mom’s AMAZING Turkey dinner and pie). I suggested to Keith that we make a mini vacation out of the CXLA adventure, and head to Disneyland to visit Mickey and Minnie (and his sister Kathryn that lives in the area). To my disbelief he AND my sister AND my parents agreed. The excitement in my eyes was un-describable as the beautifully lit and decorated land of magic flashed through my mind. I am such a sucker for Christmas lights and holiday sweaters.

I made the SIGN

Holiday at Disneyland– Check
Family - Check
Bikes – Check

Disneyland started with me rallying the family for a 7:45am meeting (15 min before opening) in front of CA adventure. I assured everyone that we CAN NOT be late because we needed to get in line for the CARS fastpass. Ya, Keith made us late! He was fiddling and fumbling around all morning. I had to rush him through his breakfast and tell him to pick up his feet and walk a little faster as we shuffled over to the park. Luckily my sister’s fiancé, Steven, was already standing in the pouring rain to get us tickets as my parents and sister huddled under a tree. I was the ONLY one to bring a rain jacket, and the polite thing to do was to offer it to Steven as he stood in line for all of us. My mom decided to go buy Disneyland ponchos for the rest of the family; I bet they were a small fortune. I mean, it was pouring!!! Steven eventually returned with the 12:35pm-1:05pm fastpass tickets.

I told you she bought them!!

Our first stop was Toy Story Mania, a personal favorite. We had almost made it through the entire line before Keith realized he didn’t grab any 3D glasses and had to scurry back to get a pair. I leaned over and whispered to my mom “this is what I have had to deal with all morning.” She assured me, “your father is the same way.” We enjoyed the remainder of the morning at CA adventure and ate some lunch before heading back to CARS. To our disappointment the ride was temporarily CLOSED. We were ensured that our fastpass would remain valid for the day and instructed to return in a couple of hours.

Keith did get his glasses!

With that news, we decided to head over to Disneyland to enjoy all it had to offer before returning to the CARS ride at CA adventure that evening.

The ride suffered continuous malfunctions as we waited. Keith suggested getting out of line to watch the WORLD OF COLOR water show, my Dad agreed. In a stern voice I assured them I was going nowhere as I have been looking forward to this ride ALL DAY! Everyone remained in line with me, and YES we FINALLY got on!
Luckily there was another water show scheduled in the late evening. The crowed was much smaller and we were able to get a front row “splash zone” spot. Keith awkwardly held my hand and spoke softly into my ear as we gazed over the pier. It was out of the ordinary and I suppose I was a little confused. That was until he got down on one knee and asked me to MARRY him. I was SHOCKED! SPEECHLESS! Keith had been carrying a ring (MY RING) in his pocket, in the rain, and on all those rides for 16 hours!

Proof!

First Picture as an engaged couple!!

There on the pier at California Adventure during the WORLD OF COLOR water show, in front of my family, he PROPOSED. It couldn’t have been more PERFECT. I am one VERY lucky girl and I am beyond excited to become Mrs. Keith Hillier on 11/01/14.

Ring – Check