I said, hey, let's go to the Bean!

We can take some photos for Mom's Christmas card, I said.

It's going to be crammed with tourists, she said!

It is evident that she was correct.

But I took a shot at setting up the tripod anyway.

The Bean is where we first met in person, back in April of 2014.

She knew this was coming, but she didn't quite catch on until I got the box out of my backpack, which I am proud of.

She didn't want a ring, so I offered her a tie, patterned with star jasmine, which I hand-embroidered with the word "yes."

I've never felt this certain and happy.