Family Pictures & {Engagement Story}

I have so much I can go back and document from when Ryan's & I were in the "dating" stage. I won't go back much, but our engagement story definitely needs to be on here. It was on May 3rd (I think!) and Ryan had been out of town FOREVER! We had plans to go on a date, then leave the next day for Winslow to visit family. I had no idea what was going on- it seemed like a regular date for us. However, I did notice him looking through my jewelery box a few weeks prior. I could have SWORN that I saw him grab one of my rings. I talked myself out of it, and forgot to go check that same day after he had left. However, 2 days later I checked, and the ring was back. So, I thought I was going crazy. Ryan and I had talked about marriage, but we had no definite dates or plans in mind. So, 2 weeks later we are on our date. We went to Carraba's (where we went to eat on our very first date) then he wanted to go walk up Spook Hill. Another place we have been in the past. He did bring a blanket this time, and he was very particular about where he wanted us to sit. I remember feeling like it was taking WAY to long to find a spot to sit! There were some other people up there making a little noise and just having fun and it was particularly bothering Ryan...which I thought was also a little strange. So we sit and talk and just enjoy the quiet and after awhile we get up to go. Ryan litterally said, "OK, get up" so I did, but he stayed down. I thought his back was hurt, lol. Then he said, "Hey, look over there" so I did, then he got on one knee and my heart just started to race like crazy. He said the most amazing, sweet, kind things to me and ended with, "Will you marry me?" I of course said yes. I was SO happy! Cloud 9. I was so happy, I didn't even realize he didn't have a ring. He made the comment that "he was still working on getting a ring" lol. I was like..".ok, thats fine!" but i was a little confused b/c of the whole ring debacle from 2 weeks earlier. We hike down and get in the truck to go home. Then, Ryan says, "Oh, by the way, the ring is in the glove box if you want it" I freak out! I screamed, "WHAT!" and then quickly open that glove box. He got the ring out and put it on my finger. I cried again. It was so pretty. Ryan thought he was just hilarious b/c apparently his dad asked his mother to marry him that way- and that he wanted to keep the tradition alive. I didn't care..I was so happy to now have a ring! lol His family about died when we told them that part of the story. lol. I just remember that weekend being so happy. His parents and family were so happy, and so were mine. It was one of the best weekends of my life.

We got HITCHED!

 On June 29, 2013- Ryan and I got married. It was a great, beautiful, QUICK day. I will remember it forever and truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have Ryan. The ceremony was very nice. We had only immediate family there and our bishop married us at my parent's house. It was an extremely HOT day, actually the hottest of the year! Once the sun went down though, it really didn't bother us. It was so great to see family and friends and celebrate with them at our reception. It was decorated so beautiful, thanks to my mother who worked her butt off for me to make my dreams come true. As soon as the reception was over, Ryan and I were off to the Monte Lucia in Phoenix, then Mazatlan, Mexico for our Honey Moon!! June 29th truly was an amazing day, with even more amazing days and weeks to follow. I am so blessed and truly have found my partner, best friend, hero, Bennett's step-dad, love- and so much more. I really am one lucky lady. (More pictures to come of the wedding day & reception!)

First Post!

Here's to new beginnings.....great, amazing beginnings! I feel like so much is going on in our lives and I love to document with pictures, but the pictures & stories don't really go anywhere that can truly be remembered. So, here's to my 5th and BEST blog :-) ....The HARDY FAMILY est. June 29, 2013. Xoxo