We actually got formally engaged after talking about it for a couple months, so the engagement story could be quite a long one. :) David had been hinting to me for a while that he was definitely in this for the long term, asking what I thought a good length for an engagement was, what was important to me for the long term, and such. In January, after an evening of deep and cheerful sappiness (dinner, candlelight, presents) he raised the topic officially. At that point, he wanted to know that I was ready to start talking about marriage. I coyly indicated I was open to the idea, and would be happy to help him ring shop, but was still going to wait for the formal proposal. We had fun ring shopping together. Trolling through jewelry stores was actually the least fun part at first, because in my opinion almost all of the rings were ugly and overpriced. It turns out my jewelry taste is rather counter-trendy. So we hit the web, and found some antique looking Celtic bands that we both liked very much. Then we had to decide on a rock, which took us a while. I was still not sure whether to just let him suprise me or how active i should be in this process, so we talked it over some more. As David sensibly pointed out, I was going to be the one wearing the ring, presumably for a long, long, time, so he wanted to make sure I liked it, and didn't know much about women's jewelry. So we hit a few more jewelry stores to look at examples of their gems, and settled on a sapphire marquis cut. We got engaged on the 7th anniversary of our first date, in David's den (in the townhouse we will be living in as newlyweds). David had the most beautiful and personal proposal, which he might even post here if he likes. Just thinking about it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I, naturally, said "I will."

Ok, so we may not be the most photogenic couple in the world, but we have lots of fun. Stratego, snowmen, and formal parties, and anything else we can think of. :)