(Delayed slightly to avoid the discomfort of last time, when the Internets as a Hole got the news before certain family members)
On Canada Day, we went for a lovely barbeque at Allison's boyfriend's parents' place. We'd been up that morning at 4:45 to golf in the dew, and when things were winding down we declined Allison's (obviously pro forma and insincere) invitation to go with her and Trevor and Erin to the nearby beach to watch the Canada Day fireworks while huddled around a campfire.
Later that night, we were just drifting off to sleep when Allison came bursting into our bedroom. "Are you decent?" she asked (we were).
"Yes, but we're tired," I said.
"Too tired for a party?" she asked, as she thrust her left hand in my wife's face while Trevor and Erin stood in the doorway, grinning.
One look at the diamond and my wife sat bolt upright in bed and squealed. So much for being decent, and sorry, Trevor.
It's not a surprise, in that we knew at some point they'd get engaged. But the timing was always in question, and there was much celebration and ohhing and awwwing.
The story, as I understand it (and I'm sure Allison will correct me on the details):
She knew he was going to ask her to marry him on this Canada Day. She can't tell you why she knew (we believe, by the way, that she is a witch). But she knew. So as they sat on the beach and a giant heart exploded in the air over their heads, and she could feel Trevor's eyes burning into her, she was tempted to just turn to him and say "Oh, for God's sake, will you just DO it?". But he didn't.
Erin picks up the story after the fireworks, when they'd extinguished the campfire (oh, good kids) and were returning the lawn chairs to his parents' place. Allison jumped out to help (which would have made me immediately suspicious. Allison is not a jump-out-and-helper. She's more a "Fine, whatever, stop nagging, I'll bloody do it" kind of helper.). Erin, who is considerably with child, declined to jump out, so she idly watched the two of them in the side view mirror. Suddenly, she saw Trevor go down on one knee. Objects in the mirror are more surprising than they appear.
According to Allison, they were unloading the lawn chairs from the trunk of the car and Trevor said "Ok, so ... I'm a chickenshit."
"You really are."
"So, can I still do it?"
Allison nodded. And here's where the dialogue was edited to "So, then he said some really nice things to me ... and asked me."
And she said "Yes." Well, not officially, at that moment. She cried. But later, she said yes.
I have no details about when or where or whatever. I'm told Autumn, 2008, but pester Allison for anything further. I am the Father of the Bride.
A couple of words about Trevor, who doesn't get mentioned here all that often: he's a very nice, polite, considerate, well brought up young man who is following in his father's footsteps as a golf pro. We heartily approve of him as a son-in-law because a) he makes Allison laugh; 2) he obviously loves her; and c) every year, Titleist gives him new clubs and now I can scoop up his old ones. (I'm kidding about the last bit) (sorta).
So ... this year is kinda turning out OK.
Allie and Trevor
Woo hoo! Congrats all round!!
Posted by: Squirl | July 05, 2007 at 09:35 PM
Woo hoo! Congrats all round!!
Posted by: Squirl | July 05, 2007 at 09:35 PM
I got so excited I commented twice.
Um, not really sure how that happened.
Posted by: Squirl | July 05, 2007 at 09:36 PM
I got so excited I commented twice.
Um, not really sure how that happened.
Posted by: Squirl | July 05, 2007 at 09:36 PM
I got so excited I commented twice.
Um, not really sure how that happened.
Posted by: Squirl | July 05, 2007 at 09:36 PM
congratulations! that's so sweet.
Posted by: Gora_Kagaz | July 05, 2007 at 09:56 PM
I think Squirl said it all! Several times! ;D
Congrats, Allie and Trevor! That's awesome!
Posted by: CircusKelli | July 05, 2007 at 11:31 PM
Squirl: Thanks!
Squirl: Thanks!
Squirl: Don't worry about it, could happen to anybody.
Squirl: Well, once...
Squirl: OK, no more commenting till the meds kick in.
Gora: Ain't it just?
CK: She did (did ... did ..). And it IS awesome :)
Posted by: Nils | July 06, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Now Allie's getting married? Jeebus I'm old. Why, wasn't it just yesterday when Allie and Erin were calling each other rude names in the kitchen while we grown-ups were trying to have a peaceful meal?
Congratulations Allie and Trevor!
Posted by: Davey | July 06, 2007 at 08:31 AM
This might be good for your golf game...
Posted by: Dewsweeper | July 06, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Does Trevor know that he's about to become a foster parent to assorted cats and dogs of all kinds? ;)
All kidding aside, Congrats to both of them!!! This is wonderful news, Nils. :)
Can't wait to hear all about the wedding plans!
Posted by: Laura | July 06, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Yeah, do Allie and Trevor inherit whatever stray animals happen to be in your house at their time of marriage?
(And congratulations...um, just once for me!)
Posted by: Bucky Four-Eyes | July 06, 2007 at 11:29 AM
Congratulations to all. You are an exceptionally blessed family.
Posted by: Deneen | July 06, 2007 at 11:41 AM
huzzah! Mazeltov! um and that's WONDERFUL! And cute how she knew he was going to ask her...and how she asked if you were decent before barging in--I think I would have just barged in on my parents...
Posted by: Effie | July 06, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Well, it's about damn time you blogged about this. (J.K.) (but not)
Super congratulations to Allie & Trevor!! (Why do I get the feeling there might be a few pets around that household?! I am certain that will be a factor when they start house-hunting: big yard, room for foster pups & kitties...)
Posted by: Ortizzle | July 06, 2007 at 12:11 PM
That's a lovely photo! I'm pleased for Allie and Trevor, and wish them much joy together in their new home for stray animals. ;)
Posted by: shari | July 06, 2007 at 12:43 PM
What great news! Congrats to everyone!
Posted by: sara sue | July 06, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Congrats to you and Allison and Trevor
Posted by: William | July 06, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Awesome news! Congrats!
Posted by: Von Krankipantzen | July 06, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Congratulations! Your family is wall-to-wall good news in the last year or two! Wedding! Baby! Another wedding!
And the chicken-shits eventually come through. My husband carried the ring around in his pocket for a month before he got up the gumption to finally ask. And it's turned out ok anyway. ;)
Posted by: Ern | July 06, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Such great news! Maybe your wedding gift to them could be a kennel...IN THEIR YARD (not yours!)
Posted by: wordgirl | July 06, 2007 at 09:51 PM
congratulations to allie and trevor! (and to you too, nils...cuz after the wedding, it will be trevor getting those "guess where i am now..?" and "its only fiiiiive kitten, really" phone calls!) so i think you all win!
PS - thats a gorgeous photo of Allie & Trevor!!!
Posted by: gypsygrrl | July 06, 2007 at 10:12 PM
congrats!!!!!!
Posted by: twisteduterus | July 06, 2007 at 11:17 PM
congrats, that's so cool! what a great picture. and i'm so glad you like your future son-in-law. that's always a plus.
Posted by: candy | July 07, 2007 at 12:29 AM
I couldn't be happier! Congratulations (again) to Trevor and Allie and you and Joyce and, well, everyone really! :)
Posted by: platypus | July 07, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Yay!! Congrats to Allie and Trevor!
Posted by: kalki | July 07, 2007 at 09:23 PM
Aw. Sniff. Congratulations to everyone! Especially chicken shit fiances!
Posted by: Moose | July 07, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Oh how sweet! Congratulations! Allie and Trevor
and to Erin and hubby on their first anniversary!
At church this morning, I was holding the hands of the baby girl who was born on their wedding day. She hasn't taken her first solo steps yet, but it's gonna be soon, when she gains confidence.
Also there was an announcement about a baby boy born yesterday 07-07-07.
Good Times, Good News, yes indeedy....
Posted by: MrsDoF | July 08, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Congrats, Nils! If you think you're happy now, just wait until that little grandchild makes an appearance. Weddings and babies, it just doesn't get any better...especially when they come in that order!;-)
Posted by: Jean | July 09, 2007 at 09:42 PM
I think weddings and babies are delightful, but only when they are someone else's.
Posted by: Bucky Four-Eyes | July 11, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Bucky -- kinda like how I feel about kittens... ;D
Posted by: CircusKelli | July 12, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Congrats!
Posted by: Sarah | July 14, 2007 at 10:52 AM