a new york proposal

I can't believe that one year ago Samuel proposed to me! New York at Thanksgiving, why not propose? We all saw it coming but I am still surprised Sam was able to keep it a secret the whole day. (I can usually read him like a book) I should have been suspicious on the metro ride to Empire State Building but it all started off like any normal day. It was rainy and cold; Sam was dressed in his $6 DI shirt so I thought no primping necessary and off we went. Everything was going along without a hitch. Sam got the ring through building security without me noticing and it stopped raining right when we got to the 86th floor observatory. But the day definitely had it's chaotic moments.....

craziest, strongest, coldest wind of my life

At the observatory it was freezing and we stayed outside just long enough to snap some pictures and sneak some kisses. I was ready to jet but Sam seemed to be taking his sweet time. I wondered why he would want to wait up there any longer. It finally hit me. He was going to propose right then and there.  I blurted out "No way, no way!!" a million times before he had the chance to say anything. I remember him saying how much he loved me and wanted to be with me forever. Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We both were a shivering, crying, and wind blown mess but it was perfect. I just wanted to kiss him forever and marry him that very minute.

This Thanksgiving I'm glad for everything that we've been through together and that Samuel asked me to marry him one year ago. Saying yes was the best decision I ever made.
                      

|| Erin

trip to potato chip

It's been a while since my last weekend adventure post. You probably didn't know 1.) Sam's hair was so long and 2.) we still have fun even though law school has gotten the better of us for the past couple weekends. (Midterms and final papers were upon us.) 

For last weekend's adventure we decided a little sun, exercise, and a change of scenery were necessary. The perfect thing was even on our "San Diego To Do" list, Potato Chip Rock hike. It's known because of the pictures you see on the internet. We took the back route which was a decent 4 miles instead of the 7 or 8 mile hike around Lake Poway. We weren't up for an all day event, just a little break from Sam's beast of a paper. 

There it is behind us in all its glory, Potato Chip. It's was not the most amazing thing ever and we weren't about to wait an hour to get a picture on top. One in front of Potato Chip would have to do. But we have 3 years in San Diego so we'll probably be back for a picture. 

^^ see the line. college students and tourist galore! 

It was fun to get away from our little bubble in Mission Valley and explore a new area. We love it here and I love Samuel for taking breaks to play with me.

Bigger news, after our hike Samuel chopped off all his hair. So sad! He had worked so hard on his little man bun and now it's gone. Literally there was enough hair to make a wig! (Maybe a little disgusting.) But I can't complain because he looks even more dreamy with his new look. He says the short hair's not permanent but as for now, he's looking like a professional ready for the upcoming interviews.

|| Erin

finally fall

Yesterday the radio announcer said--no sarcasm, "You might want to stay inside because of today's crappy weather." This blew our minds! It was a lovely 70 degree day with an ocean breeze. Can it get any more perfect?

San Diego is not a place where all four seasons are represented. I'm ok with that if it means no snow. But fall is a bit of a bummer here. The leaves don't change colors and there are no rainbow mountains. Yes it's no Utah fall, but I'm loving our new fall weather--70 degrees and overcast, I'm not complaining.

On the first overcast day to celebrate the first sign of fall we went to a pumpkin patch. I was so excited to pick out the perfect pumpkin but it wasn't hard with the limited options we had. Total pumpkin patch FAIL! It was probably the most pathetic one I have ever been too. Our first problem was we went on Halloween day. There were literally no more pumpkins left! Our second problem was that it was the only nearby pumpkin patch so everyone and their mom had already visited. We learned our lesson--we will be the first ones to go get a Christmas Tree.

^^haha^^

Just look at that selection! You can't help but laugh. Sam and I were dying! We helped ourselves to the free apple cider and grabbed the only decent pumpkins. 

Even though there are no mountains or leaves changing colors; we get the prettiest fall sunsets and cotton candy skies. It's amazing and I don't have to suffer the freezing falls of Utah. Last night was the first time I have ever been cold in our apartment. It's a miracle! Welcome fall!

|| Erin

as you wish halloween

Last Halloween Sam and I won the costume contest. Let's be honest, we probably won because Sam is brown and went shirtless but I'll never forget those indian costumes.

That being said, this year we especially felt the pressure to dress to impress. Thinking of a clever couple costume is hard but we finally found the perfect one. One that was "inconceivable" and filled with "wuv, tru wuv".

You probably guessed it, our costumes featured the classic Princess Bride. Sam and I grew up with that movie so it was a great fit. (We seemed to be quoting it all day) Samuel was my sweet Westley/The Dread Pirate Roberts and I was Princess Buttercup.

Goodwill was solely responsible for our costumes. A whole $20, not too shabby. And thank goodness for the wonderful person who got rid of their red satin long-sleeved leotard so my costume could be perfect. Seriously the leotard is MONEY! It will probably make an appearance in years to come...

We had a fun Halloween making new friends and eating so many delicious treats. I'm already thinking of next years costume because this Halloween seemed to come and go too fast. I mean, it's not even fall here yet.

|| Erin