Shenanigans

Peter and I both worked much of the past holiday season, and since late summer we had planned on taking an extended weekend after the holidays.  Wednesday January 3rd, after a hectic, but fun New Years filled with work, a 5K, and last minute packing, Pete and I headed north to Pinewood.  We joyfully arrived late, and settled in, as Barb & Clint greeted us.  Grandma was feeling under the weather so she was already in bed.

Thursday morning we continued to get settled in and plan our day out on the trails.  Pete, Barb, Clint and I fired up the sleds and took of; by the end of the day we put on almost 100 miles.  As we were starting to loop back towards the cabin, Peter was in the lead.  A little back story, Peter rides pretty aggressively and as a result, his sled is often needing repairs.  Peter led us down in to a swamp, although all 4 of us came out the other side unscathed, at the top of the following hill, he hit a log, bending part of his ski.  We were able to ride to the next tavern and reassess.  The decision was that Barb and Pete would stay put while Clint and I rode back to Pinewood.  Clint picked up the trailer and headed back to the Wolfhound Tavern to pick them and the broken sled up.  Conveniently, for Pete and Barb, it was happy hour.  And when Clint picked them up, they were indeed spirited.

Peter and Clint pulled parts from the part sled to fix Peter's sled that night.  While Grandma, Barb, and I watched a movie.  Later that evening Maggie and Colton arrived to Pinewood.  After putting on roughly 100 miles, I was pretty beat, and was more than ready to retire.  Sleeping at Pinewood is amazing, our room is dark and the setting is peaceful.  Needless to say, I slept amazing and was the last to wake up Friday morning.  Clint was in charge of breakfast, making is world famous omelets.  After breakfast and a few pots of coffee between the 6 of us, Peter and I were going to head out on a ride around the lakes, and planned on meeting up with Barb and Clint elsewhere.

It was a sunny, warm morning, which can be tough on the sleds since they thrive in cold weather.  Once we had looped around both lakes and were starting to head back towards Pinewood, Peter stalled in the middle of West Fox, and put the hood of his sled up, and began tinkering with it.  Since he had injured his sled the night before, I thought to myself, "oh boy, now what did he do?!"  After spinning around the shoreline, I rode over to him.  I asked, "Is it sick?"  Peter mumbled, yea, signaled for me to shut off my sled and come over.  I walked around to him and his sled, only to receive a great big bear hug, and hear Peter say, "my sled isn't sick...".  He proceeded to get down on one knee, in the middle of frozen West Fox lake; where we have spent many fond memories, both in the summer sun, beautiful fall, and frosty winter.  He pulled out a little gray box, opened it up and asked if I would marry him.

Slighly misty eyed I exclaimed ABSOLUTELY, and hugged him so tight.  As we embraced on the sparkly snow, with a new sparkly gem on my hand, I heard the roar of a sled approaching us.  I laughed as I figured Peter would be embarassed that we were in the middle of the lake and some stranger was about to witness us.  Low and behold, I looked up and it was Maggie.  With camerat in tow.  She had left the house moments after we did, and took off on snowmobile, and hid in a bay of West Fox.  Peter said he could see her from a mile away and feared her cover would be blown, but I was completely oblivious.  To all of it.

Maggie ran over and hugged us both, and continued to take a few more pictures. I'm SO incredibly thankful that Peter arranged for her to capture this special moment, and that she was there to share in our excitement. I have always loved the beauty of winter, and when I met Peter, I knew snowmobiling would be a part of our relationship.  I have loved being able to explore the north woods, the snow covered trees and sparkling snow, but more importantly to share in a passion of Peters. So I could not have picked a better time and a more beautiful place for him to propose.

After a few minutes and few pictures, we rode back to the cabin as there were a few people there that were anticipating some exciting news.  Which is why I titled this post Shenanigans.  Everyone knew.  And by everyone, I mean, his family, grandparents on both sides, my parents, as well as some friends.  Everyone except me.  They all did a fantastic job keeping quiet, and I never suspected a thing.

I enjoyed hearing all the back story of Peter picking our and picking up the ring (back in late October), him arranging a meeting with my Mom to ask permission, and then a meeting that same evening with my Dad to also ask permission to marry me.  About his fear that he had blown cover many times, and that his plan would be interrupted.  Little did I know he had more surprises up his sleeve.

After sharing the news with family and friends, we jumped on the sleds and headed out to the trails to seek out a celebratory drink.  We rode to a few locations, enjoying the day and talking about the months that lead up to that day; and how it tortured them all to keep this enormous secret.  We all agreed that we wouldn't be keeping any secrets for a long time.

Peter and I had originally planned on taking a trip to Walker, MN to use a Bed & Breakfast gift card that had been given to us by my sister and brother in law for Christmas two years ago.  It was great to get away and enjoy some down time on an exciting day.  The Bed & Breakfast experience will have to be a post on its own.  We definetely enjoyed it.  Thank you to Steph and Jon for the gift certificate!

Saturday morning we enjoyed breakfast at Embracing Pines B&B, and eagarly headed back to Pinewood.  Where yet another surprise was waiting. My Mom and Step Dad.  They had arrived late Friday night, and were there to celebrate with us for the remainder of the weekend.  We did a little more sledding and celebrating.  And Maggie and Barb put together a DELICOUS spread for everyone Saturday night.  And showered us with more love and congratulations.

Pete and I are so happy and excited for our future and we thank everyone for the love and support you have all showered us with upon our Engagement.  We look forward to sharing more details to come.