This was the best week of my life!  We flew into CT and spent some time with Pete's parents John and Caryl.  Then we caught the train into NYC so I could meet his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Natasha.  

After a whirlwind couple of days, we ventured out on some Pete and Annie time by driving to Newport.  Amazing views, incredible food, awesome people.  

Little did I know that July 9, 2012 would be a different kind of wonderful vacation day.  We started out on a scooter ride through Newport and made a pit stop at the Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers.  We relaxed on the expansive lawn that overlooked the ocean and enjoyed the sun.  Perfect moment.  

"Let's get going and let's get one more picture before we go." Pete said.

I pulled myself out of the relaxation on the lawn and we walked toward our photo op locale.  Pete asked a lady with some teenage daughters to get a picture of us.  As he was getting the camera ready, he sent me up to the fountain which would be the location of our picture.  I saw the teenage girls jump up and down screaming but since I work with teenagers I often see them scream about their nail polish color so I didn't think too much of it.  But to give you the inside scoop, Pete had told the lady that he was about to propose to me and asked if she would continue to take pictures throughout the proposal.  Hence the screaming teenagers!

As we posed for our picture, his breathing sounded really rough. I thought to myself that we should stop for lunch and get him out of the sun.  Instead of heat stroke he was just suffering from nerves! Awe!!!

Once the picture had been taken, Pete grabbed my hand and said, "There is one more thing."

He got down on one knee and said,

"Annie, I love you with all my heart.  I can't promise you 45 years, but I can promise that the years we have together will be great.  Will you be my bride?"

I fell to my knees, gave him a huge hug and forgot to say yes!  Oops!  

"Is that a yes?" he asked.

"Yes, oh my God, YES!!"  I screeched. 

He planned such a beautiful, memorable way to propose to me.  I could not have thought of one moment that I would change!   Let me tell you, there is no place like Newport!