Rather than rattling out the details of how we met, dated, and got engaged, we decided to compile a few of the facts in a little quiz. Enjoy the fun facts and video clips!
-Jaime
Ryan and I first met in...
1980
2007
2002
Answer:
Ryan and I met while he was visiting Colorado Springs from Kosovo
in 2002. Ryan and his sisters joined me and about a million other folks on
a rock climbing trip in Golden, Colorado. Of course, it wasn't until later
that we actually got to know each other and see what God intended for us
all long.
In December of 2007, I flew home to Colorado Springs from Bangkok, Thailand
to visit my family. Ryan wrote me a FaceBook message and asked me to join
him and 14 others on a ski trip to Arapaho Basin. Can you guess what mishap
occurred on our trip?
Avalanche conditions closed both passes and we ended up having to take refuge at Summit County Junior High School for the evening.
We missed our exit and ended up in Nebraska before we realized it.
It rained and the ski resort closed due to slush.
Answer:
All sixteen of us enjoyed an all expense paid night (thanks Summit
County) at the prestigious Summit County Junior High School. The plush carpet
in the hallway, under the lockers, made for a “great” night's sleep! We even
made it into the local newspaper. [I'm the person on the far left]
A few days later, Ryan called and asked to take me out to dinner. Can
you guess where he took me?
McDonald's (Nothing says romance like the Golden Arches)
The Broadmoor
Jose Muldoon's Mexican Restaurant
Answer:
Even though Ryan suffers violent cravings for food over 600 calories,
he didn't treat me to dinner under the Golden Arches. The Broadmoor is nice,
but come on, we are not five star hotel material. He did take me to Jose
Muldoon's. Our date at Jose Muldoons was on January 3rd, a year to the day
of our wedding. The restaurant is also just across the street from the church
where we will have our wedding.
A few days after our first date, I boarded a plane for Bangkok, Thailand.
Our dating relationship began before I had even removed from jetlag from
my flight. Can you guess how many time zones we had to communicate across
during the first 6 months of our relationship?
5
13
11
Answer:
Through Skype and email, we carried out the first 6 months of our
relationship across 13 time zones. This made for some quite interesting conversations
as the internet (and electricity) would cut out from time to time.
A little over 3 months later Ryan took a trip to Thailand! Can you guess
what for? Now come on, did you really think I’d give you a question as simple
as that? We, along with two colleagues of mine, headed down to some of the
most beautiful beaches in the world. What an incredible place to fall in love.
During his stay we enjoyed Song Kran, a national
holidy in Thailand. Can you guess what traditional activity we took part
in?
The running with the bulls
A massive country wide water fight
Elephant taming
Answer:
During Song Kran, the people of Thailand all take part in probably
the worlds largest water fight. The entire country joins in. Water, as a
symbol of blessing is lightly poured on your head as someone blesses you—at
least by the older generation. The younger generation however take the opportunity
to make sure everyone gets completely soaked. In this video, you’ll see what
Ryan had to put up with and yep, the man with the bucket completely drenched
him.
Because I’m running out of time, and I’m sure your likely getting a little
bored, I’ll skip the good stuff—how Ryan proposed. Can you guess where Ryan
took me when he proposed?
Jose Muldoon's Mexican Restaurant
Hot air balloon ride
To a secluded Colorado lake.
Answer:
Ryan took me up to a secluded lake in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
It was a bit of a distance away, and entailed a couple hour drive, a short
dirt bike ride and a bit of hiking. When we arrived at the lake Ryan stepped
out to use the “restroom”. As I waited by the lake for his return, I turned
around to see him holding a guitar!? A bit perplexed, I listened as he began
to sing to me. In the last verse he proposed! His two sisters (Kimberly and
Bethany) and another friend had driven up early to capture the moment--and
to bring the guitar up. [Thanks Kimberly, Bethany and James] You can see
these pictures on the Photos page.
