About a month ago, my boyfriend (now fiance), Bill, told me he was taking me on a surprise vacation.  Being the detective that I am, it was really difficult for me not to investigate and try to figure out where we were going, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise.  The time came and as we arrived at the airport, he revealed that we were flying into St. Louis and spending one night in Rocheport, Missouri (a small town on the river, about 20 minutes west of Columbia where we both attended University of Missouri) and two nights in the historic German town of Hermann, where we went on our first date.

Our first day out, we spent the day at Les Bourgeois Vineyards, one of our favorite wineries.  It's built on a cliff overlooking the river and has amazing views and beautiful sunsets.  This photo of us was taken that evening at sunset (the night before the proposal!):

 That night we stayed in a beautiful and luxurious B&B in Rocheport and ventured to Columbia to get some food and beer at our favorite restaurant, Flat Branch Brewery (BEST artichoke dip EVER.) The next day we drove to Hermann and checked in at yet another luxurious B&B, the Inn at Hermanhoff.  We arrived in town around 4 pm and it was pretty deserted, being a Sunday.  The inn is right across the street from the winery, so we decided we had time for at least one glass of wine.  We tasted a couple different options, bought a bottle, and headed out to Hermanhoff's big grassy hill that overlooks the town and is dotted with a few vineyards and historic stone cottages.  It was the same spot we hung out on our first date.  There were a few other guests on their brick patio but we were the only ones sitting on the hill.  After having some wine, Bill told me that we were there for a reason, and asked me to be his wife!  Of course I said YES right away, he didn't even have time to get the ring out of his pocket!  He gave me a BEAUTIFUL antique 19^th century rose cut diamond ring.  Here are a few photos: