A few days after getting settled into our new place downtown Phoenix, my parents came to visit! We decided that a desert hike was a must, so the morning of June 7th we all got up at 5 AM and headed to South Mountain. It was a GORGEOUS hike and it wasn't too hot during the early morning. We saw a coyote, jack rabbits, a wild pig, and of course - lots of cacti, but thankfully no snakes!
We chose to do the Beverly Canyon Trail for a few reasons: first - it was labeled as "easy" and let's be real, none of us know how to properly hike in the desert during the summer. Second, it was only supposed to be 1.7 miles. Little did we know that the Beverly Canyon Trail isn't a loop - it's 1.7 miles each way. And lastly, my late grandma's name was Beverly so there was some nostalgia in choosing that trail.
As we worked our way up the mountains, the view over the valley was increasingly beautiful. Right near what we thought was the end, we had reached the highest point and it was PERFECT for taking selfies and family photos. My dad took some pics of Ryan and I, and before we could even see the photos that he had captured, Ryan said "lets make sure we get a really good one."
He then dropped to one knee, and asked me to marry him! Without realizing it, I said "no way!" since I was so surprised by what was happening! But then of course, after a series of "are you serious" and "oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh," I said "YESSSSS!"
My dad had been in on it the whole time. My mom and I were so surprised! It was so special that my parents got to be there with us. After an uber ride back to where we started, we spent the rest of the day sipping mimosas, chillin' by the pool, and watching hockey like good little Minnesotans. It was perfect!
Desert hike, beautiful proposal, was the most amazing day ever!! We feel so blessed to have been part of it!! Mom&Dad😊💖💍🌵