Proposal

On February 11, 2006 we reunited with our friends Gloria and Kevin for our second annual Valentine’s weekend in Manhattan. Despite the record setting Nor’easter snow fall, they joined us for dinner in Hoboken, NJ at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

After dinner, Brett & Kevin were insisting we head to Manhattan while Jen & Gloria were thinking it was a little nuts to drive on NYC slippery roads with a new baby. After ducking into Toys ‘R’ Us for a little warmth and for Brett to “find a bathroom” (or perhaps get his face on a billboard to say, “Jennifer Will You Marry Me?) we headed back out to take photos in the snow.

Brett was waiting eagerly as Kevin took photos of the two of us (we even have one with him looking at the board as we pose!). 10:45 came and went and Brett didn’t see the billboard display his message.

Now, he “forgot his gloves at Toys ‘R’ Us”. To Jen’s slight frustration, we waited for him across the street. Upon his return we sloooowly walked the block to see the correct side of the billboard.
Will you marry me?

As promised by the fine Toys ‘R’ Us staff, promptly at 10:57, Brett pointed up at the billboard, and Jen initially missed it (do you know how many signs there are to look at in Times Square!?!). Jen gazed across the street, then back at Brett. He was now holding a ring and on one knee while strangers cheered! Jen clearly was shocked and temporarily paralyzed as Brett asked her to Marry him… She saw the billboard now!

After a few shared hugs, Brett asked if he could have an answer. Jen kissed him again and said, “Yes!” Slowly things began to sink in and Jen turned to Gloria and Kevin again, and said, “Let’s hug again!!” We all jumped up and down and embraced.

When arriving to the hotel the four of us celebrated with champagne and a very rare thunder and lightening show during a snow storm now known as a “thunder snow” (or UFO as Renee puts it). Just for fun, we text messaged the photo seen below to family for a nice Sunday morning surprise.

Sunday AM came, and we called family to share the good news. Everyone was excited and giggly—except Carson. Renee asked the kids what they thought was happening in the photo. He was thoroughly disappointed when he found out Brett was NOT becoming a Three Musketeer.

We look forward to seeing you all very soon,
Love and Happiness from Philadelphia (we return to Seattle 2/19),
Brett & Jen