A Bridal Shower

While up at the Engell's Mrs. Engell put on a lovely shower for me. It was great time to meet many people from the area. Everyone was so friendly and pleasant. The shower was a dress up tea party and evryone looked beautiful.

Aleah with rag curlers

All the pretty teacups


Some of the ladies playing the game

Gift time

Some of the lovely ladies

Afterwards we did a little dancing!

Andrew and I

The other day we took a whole bunch of photos. We wanted to have some to choose from for the invitations.

A Ball with Andrew

Last Friday evening we all went to a Civil War ball. It was an especially fun ball because Andrew came with us. I danced every dance that night. Here are some pictures from throughout the night.


Before the ball...





...during the dance...







... all worn out after the ball.

Tea Party Surprise

Over the last two months Andrew Engell and I have been courting. So early last week my friend Jessica who I hadn't seen since before the courtship started, called to invite Melissa and I to tea at the Tea Cozy. She wanted to hear all about everything going on. So we set Thursday afternoon to go.
It was a little odd that morning how much my mom and sister encouraged me to wear something a little nicer. Finally I did, and was glad for it later.








We had a lovely time having tea and visiting. It was very very calm and relaxing. I was just enjoying myself and taking my time.
As we were leaving Jessica said she had forgotten something and had to run back inside. It took several minutes. Then she sugessted that we stop to see the Cambria Pines Gardens.


We walked a little way then came to a bench where Jessica wanted me to sit and take my picture. After she snapped the picture, she suddenly told me to stay there for a minute while she showed Melissa something, and they quickly walked away.


I only had a few seconds to look around and wonder what was going on, before Andrew came around the corner singing.


He gave me a red rose, then got on down on his knee and asked me to marry him.
My answer was yes.





Afterwards we sat in the gardens for quite awhile and talked, then we went to the beach and walked on the pier, and then we went and had dinner. When we went home there were lights, and candles, balloons and a congratulations sign.


It was a perfect day. Andrew did a wonderful job of surprising me and making it very romantic.
We are planning the wedding for the end of September. We will be living up in Washington. I am very excited and so happy.
It has been amazing to see how God has brought us together, I feel so blessed.