Elizabeth and I went on our first date on October 25, 2003. It started out as a casual hike in the woods at Governor Dick's in Mount Gretna. I immediately felt comfortable with her and soon caught her humming a song. She, of course, didn't realize it, but explained she does that when she's happy. Wow, if that wasn't a good sign! Following the hike we had a quick dinner and she was off to a church function.
The following Sunday we hooked up and we were off-and-running for the second time! Though not much, we went to Long's Park to feed the ducks, throw frisbee and just enjoy each other's company. This outing was short as I had to leave for a business trip that evening. But, so far, so good. Then she was gone for over two weeks!
Finally, I called and she explained that her office move and dad's surgery kept her too busy to date (ok, burst my bubble, here). But, she took up the offer to get together for a third time, and from this point on the wheels turned faster.
The next several months moved right along: vacationing with my family in the Poconos, March '04; bought a house in April; then off with her family to Myrtle Beach in July. There were also several other activities, which you can see pictures of here.
On November 6, 2004 we drove to Rickett's Glen State Park and hiked the trails. In just a few hours we saw over a dozen waterfalls, some almost 100 feet high! Towards the end of the trip we sat for a break on the rocks, and I finally proposed to her in front of the F.L. Ricketts *bridal* falls (how appropriate), and she accepted!
The holidays blew by rather quickly as we were preparing for our wedding in May 2005. There were a lot of details (more than we imagined), but we had fun planning.
The next couple of months were exciting as we got to taste-test caterers, design the cake (okay, she did most of that...I licked the icing), and of course, chose gifts for our registry. Your encouragement and prayers were greatly appreciated as we anticipated our wedding day...the beginning of a wonderful marriage!