She said YES!

Hello, world! Guess what. I'm an engaged man! After years together and months of planning, I was finally able to propose to the love of my life earlier today. It all went as planned too. I asked Lynn's parents for their permission back in May. Her sisters have known about it for a little while too. Nobody knew the exact date, but knew it was coming.

Today was perfect. It start off early -- probably much earlier than Lynn would've liked. I'm sure she didn't mind in the end. We headed southwest from Dallas toward Glen Rose at about 8:00. Since we made good time, we were able to stop in Dinosaur Valley State Park for a while. This was a fun, unexpected side trip that allowed me to share more of my passion for dinosaurs with Lynn. We got to speak to an enthusiastic paleontologist and check out some of the best preserved trackways in the world (made by Pluerocoelus and Acrocanthasaurs). Afterward, we headed over to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. It is basically an expansive, drive through, wildlife safari. It's one of my favorite place, but Lynn had never been. As part of the preface for this trip, I built it up as a start to many road trips and adventures together. Halfway through, we stopped at the Overlook area that looks out over Fossil Rim. This is where I intended to pop the question and managed to work of the courage to actually do so. After telling her how much I loved her (several times), I got down on one knee and started to pull out the ring box. Before I even had the chance to ask, Lynn started to say, "YES! Yes, yes, yes!" I did managed to squeeze in, "Will you marry me?" We celebrated with sparkling cider (since I was driving!) and a nice homemade picnic.

Definitely one of the best and most memorable days of my life.