Writing in Pencil: How We Got Engaged

Of course, you probably know by now that it was a big weekend. I really wish I could devote some of this post to telling you about.....

how cool and calm (really!) I was on my first flight by myself, flying down to the beach to join Mike and friends
how funny it was that, during my first time in the ocean with Mike (I generally avoid the ocean part of the beach), we were evacuated from the water due to the sighting of sharks (yes, plural!) in shallow water!
how I cried when we got to visit The Fish House, a restaurant the we always visit as tradition, because the restaurant owner told Mike I was a keeper (this was before he proposed) and proceeded to give us all free pirate hats (we always get something free when we go there and he is adorable)
how watching The Room with Mike is one of the most enjoyable experiences ever

.....but I shall leave those as bullet points and skip to the best part of the weekend!

I had an idea that Mike might propose this weekend. It was only because, after I got to the beach, there was this moment where he was extremely helpful with me locating something in his suitcase and my intuition went off. Anyway, by the time it reached Saturday afternoon, I had figured it might not happen because 1) maybe he sensed that I knew or 2) because it was difficult to find alone time and we were running out of time. We played some tennis and Mike beat me twice. After walking back to drop off the rackets at the house before heading back to the beach, Mike decided to stop by a pool we were going to visit later. I thought nothing of it because it was a really sweet pool that I wanted to check out. We walked to the edge of the pool overlooking the lake and Mike starts saying really sweet things that I momentarily disregarded because I 'think' that he is trying to make me 'think' that he is proposing. Mike would say I thought this was a "red herring." Anyway, by the time I realized that he was not joking, I was crying (of course) and he was on one knee with a ring out. I recall him saying stuff about wanting to make memories and about us dating for over 2 years, but my favorite part was when he said something about marriage being hard work, but knowing that we can do it together. Of course I said yes and we hugged and kissed and then swam for a while in the pool trying to figure out how to best tell our friends that were also at the beach with us.

It seemed like the only fair option was to head to the beach and see who noticed the ring first:). Of course the first to notice was Beau (ever observant- "Kelsey, do you have something that you would like to share with the group?") and we had drinks and hugged everyone. Later on, some strangers actually came up to us and congratulated us on our engagement. We went back to the beach house after the tide came in and Ben had concocted special cocktails for us. **Side story: Way long ago, I told Mike that I thought it'd be hilarious if, during some hypothetical significant relationship celebration in our future, I had a custom cocktail named after me and he had one named after him. However, when these cocktails were to be combined, they'd make a better cocktail! Well, Mike had told Ben and Ben had pulled that challenge off and made custom cocktails for us! (Recipe below) After drinks, we went to the pool one more time and called all of our immediate family members to tell them the news. Then we celebrated the rest of the night with kebabs, daiquiris, and watching Frozen! (I know, perfect evening.)

My drink in the champagne flute and Mike's in the martini glass.

The combined creation!

The "Look": (Mike's Drink)

2oz Ouzo

1oz Lillet Rouge

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice and serve up.

I Know People: (My Drink)

1oz Gin

1oz Elderflower Liqueur (St. Elder or St. Germain)

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice, serve in a champagne flute, and top with champagne.

Kelsicle: (Our combined drink)

1oz Ouzo

1oz Gin

1/2oz Lillet Rouge

1/2oz Elderflower Liqueur

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Shake with ice. Serve in a coupe and top with champagne.

I honestly could not have asked for anything more.

I've been overwhelmed with a number of feelings since the engagement and I think it's because, no matter how much you try not to hold anything back in relationships, some subconscious part of us is still afraid of being vulnerable. The first major feeling is that I just really cannot wait to marry Michael. It feels like I'm looking forward to Christmas, but I just really want one present, and I found out I get it! I get to keep him. I knew I wanted to keep him very early on in our relationship. He has a very distinct Michael James-ness that is a rare find in the world. Many friends and family reflect on how we balance each other out in the best way and it's easy to see how we lie on the opposite sides of many spectrums while still agreeing on the most important things.

The second major feeling is in reaction to the overwhelming love I've received from family and friends since the engagement. I adore Mike's family and friends and now I officially feel 'adopted' into this side of his life. I know my family adores Mike and could not be more excited about the news. Mike is now officially "Uncle Mike" to Ashton and I am "Auntie Kels". :) But really, I think one of my favorite parts of the engagement was hearing responses from friends and family.

Since I was out of the poker game pretty early, I snagged this picture of Mike in action. I think he is trying to bluff Josh and Carson. I don't know. I can't read his poker face in the mirror. Also, everyone is wearing their pirate hats because this is the night we got them.