okay okay okay!! i apologize for that break in blogging!! i was typing as fast as i could, and then james came to pick me up and take me to dinner, so i had to post it!! well, i guess i could have saved it as a draft, but i was super tired and knew i wouldn't get back to it until this afternoon!!

back to the story...

so poor james was super nervous as we were waiting for the climb!! i kept telling him to take deep breaths and think of happy things, anything to distract him from heights!! the pre-bridge climb was very detailed and they gave us tons of information about what we'd be doing, and how to climb the steps as we were attached. if you don't like heights, this might not be the climb for you, unless you're super excited about getting over your fear. you're walking up steps sort of like climbing a ladder, then walking on a thin plank for part of it. but it's totally worth it!!

we couldn't take anything with us on the climb, cameras, watches, anything in our pockets, etc, so i don't have too many pictures of james and i. we do have some from the guide who was taking pictures at different points. when we were up at the top, we were taking individual or group shots under blinky bill, the name of the blinking red light at the tippy-top. (i think it's also the name of a koala character in australia.) our guide, marty, called james and i through, and james turned me around and got down on one knee!! he said what he felt from his heart which was incredibly sweet and loving and then asked me to marry him!! i was so shocked and said, "YES!!" and brought him up for a kiss and hug!!!!

right after, he said he had something for me, and stupid jeannette said, "oh, what is it??" hahahahha, the ring of course!! poor james had to pre-plan with the ring since you couldn't take anything on the climb with you!! he told the front desk about his plans, and they said that someone would come in as the group was getting ready to ask if anyone needed to use the bathroom one last time. james left, and that's when they attached a ribbon to the insite of his climbing suit with knots and a toggle. anyway, i was so happy that he had asked that i forgot i'd get a ring out of this process!! he put it on my fingder, and i just about died. the rest of our group (about 10 members) and another group behind us (about 12) was totally cheering and the girls were screaming for me to show off the rock!!

the whole walk down was a blur. i remember a beautiful blue and gold sunset (thanks grandpa!!) that turned into pink, me crying a bit, wobbly legs, and feeling like i was floating. it was an amazing experience that i got to quickly share with my parents after (it was 1:30 in the morning, but they were okay cause THEY KNEW!! james was super sweet and got their permission before we left!!

also, cathy, elizabeth, and steven were there so we could celebrate with a fun dinner!! we ended up getting dressed up and eating at the four seasons after all. steven picked a really yummy champagne, and i'll have to ask about the name cause i can't remember it right now. i had a tomato salad and fries cause i was so excited that i couldn't eat!! our waitress knew something was up, and found out why we were celebrating. we told her, and she ended up bringing a huge plate of truffles with "congratulations" written in chocolate on the plate. after that, james and i went to bed (we were suuuuuper tired from all the walking we did that day, then the climb) and i heard they kept bringing james' family truffles!! woohoo!!

now there's a wedding for me to plan, and i'm pumped about that!! i honestly can't wait to just pick things that i want, and take lots of time to enjoy my engagement. horray!! :)