The big suprise

So sorry for the delay, but circumstances were beyond my control last night and the Internet was down (IT is updating our high speed). And now, without further ado...

Last Tuesday night, Rick, his parents and I ate at Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle at the Magic Kingdom. From what I understand, it is hard to get a reservation here and is the only place you can meet Cinderella (she does not go out around the park like the other characters). Don't think she's snooty, though--she was so very nice. Anyway, back to the castle. Very fine dining and the wait staff addressed me as princess--very nice.

After attempting to eat my massive prime rib, the waiter cleared our plates and said he'd be back with our desserts. He came behind me and placed a dish between Rick and I, covered in rose petals. On top of the rose petals was a small glass slipper, and in the slipper was an engagement ring! I immediately started crying, and Rick got on one knee and said some beautiful words (that I had to ask him to repeat later since I was so caught up in the moment) and asked me to marry him!

In case you were wondering, I said yes.

I was completely surprised. Rick and his parents did a very good job of concealing this big moment. Immediately there was a Disney photographer there--I only knew that he had taken a few "after" pictures, but it turns out there were over 30! There were champagne glasses and specialty desserts--the whole thing was such a whirlwind. All eyes in the restaurant were on us and the lady at the next table was crying!

The glass slipper had the date etched into the bottom, and one side read "Rick and Ashley" while the other side read "Happily Ever After." We got to keep the slipper and the champagne glasses.

After it was all over and we were sitting back down after pictures, Rick's chair got caught on the vent and it slipped somehow and he hit his chin on the champagne glass. He started bleeding and for some reason it wouldn't stop (he says it was because he heart was pounding). I was crying, Rick was bleeding... it was a very memorable night.

Here is a picture of the ring; it's a family heirloom. Rick's grandmother's grandmother's ring, about 100 years old. It's so unique--I love it!

So that's the big news--hope it was worth the wait. No details yet, but I have to finish school first. Probably looking at an early 2010 wedding. I'm sure we'll figure it out over Christmas break, when I have more time. Which reminds me, I should be studying.

Click below for more pictures

Engagement