In case you missed it...We're engaged!!!

So we were being sneaky and hid the announcement of our engagement in the last posting of the Routeburn track. Sorry for those who didn't see it. For those who want the rest of the details, here's the FAQ of the engagement...

Q. Did she have any idea?
A. Yes and No, She knew it was coming but didn't know it was coming then.

Q. How did it happen?
A. We went to the top of Conical Hill on our third day of hiking. We'd dropped our packs at the Harris shelter and scrambled up the hill and enjoyed some incredible views from the top. At one point I asked her to take a panoramic video and while her back was turned I got out the ring, got down on one knee and waited for her to come around. Her first words on seeing me was "Oh God!". I then asked her and she said yes. After much hugging, laughs and a few tears we celebrated with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (How romantic!)

Q. Anything funny happen?
A. Funny you should ask. After proposing I forgot that I was supposed to take the ring out and put it on her finger. So after she said yes I just handed her the box. She gave me one of those, "Uh, Dave??" looks before suggesting I put the ring on her finger. We had a short discussion to determine what finger it was supposed to go on. (hey, we're new at this!)

Q. So, tell us about the ring?
A. The ring is a lovely little greenstone ring that Andrea picked out several months ago saying "this would make a nice engagement ring". I do well with the non-subtle hints. And she didn't want a diamond just in case you were wondering.

Q. Have you set a date yet? Where's the wedding?
A. Take it easy. It took us 5+ years to get engaged. Give us a little time to sort things out first. We'll let you know when we've got it planned. (Don't worry, it won't be a 5+ year engagement) The wedding will be somewhere back in the states. We just have no idea where yet. Kind of hard to plan from down here. I was surprised how many people have asked this though. Has anyone ever set a date the week after the engagement??? We're just not that organized.

Q. What took you so long?
A. Good question mom. Short answer: Dave. Good answer: because the best things in life take time.

Love to all,
Dave and Drea