Where we were engaged 15 years ago this day...

These pictures were taken up Lolo Creek, Montana last summer. However, the bunkhouse pictured at the bottom (the one with the tree almost covering the door), is the very place that Rich proposed to me 15 years ago today. Rich grew up on this mountain and we lived there for a few years as a couple, until we moved to Spokane. The bridge in the picture holds many memories for Rich as a boy, and for me, reminds me of the sound of the running water and the amazing smell of the woods in spring.

So, 15 years ago, he proposed in that very bunkhouse. I said yes. We had only been dating for about 3 months, but had been friends for awhile. When Rich showed his dad the ring before he proposed, his dad said, "that's a big ring, why don't you get a smaller one until you see if it works out?". Let's just say that he wasn't the only skeptic in the beginning. We were living together in Missoula when my parents drove over to "lay the hammer down", and let us know that they did not approve of our living situation. My dad and Rich spent the day together and, while Dad was there to tell him he didn't approve, Rich was asking him for his approval to propose to me. Guess we know how it all turned out... for here we are, 15 years later. I love you Rich.