The engagement!!

Boy, did we celebrate Thanksgiving weekend around here!  First we had not one, but two Thanksgiving gatherings with family and dear friends.  Marvin and I also celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.  But, the biggest event of the weekend occurred on Friday, Nov. 28 when our son, Jackson, asked his love, Brianna, to be his wife.  We are so happy to report that they will be married on July 18, 2015 out here at Willis Creek Ranch!   :)

Wednesday before Thanksgiving Jackson asked his Dad to take a trip to the jewelry store with him to take a look at the ring that Jackson had picked out.  Wednesday afternoon Marvin and I were honored to accompany Jackson back to the jewelry store when he officially bought the ring.  Because he was making one change to the ring he couldn't take it with him until Friday afternoon, but, as of Wednesday, the deed was done.  :)

at the jewelry store

Jackson and Marvin - after Jackson bought the ring

Then we all had a secret to keep!  Brianna joined us for Thanksgiving and when the conversation around the table turned to weddings and anniversaries I knew Jackson was itching to tell Brianna the secret he had!  We all were!!  :)  But, he waited until Friday when he had the ring in his hands.

He has the ring!

Beautiful!

Exciting times!

Their story is a simple one - exactly the way that Brianna wanted it to be.  Perfect for them.  Jackson picked her up from work then took her to his house to watch TV and grab a bite to eat.  As Brianna tells it, he simply went down on one knee and held the ring out to her, asking her to be his bride.  She was completely surprised!  And happily, she said YES!  :)

They then started to make the rounds to visit everyone.  We were so excited when that door opened and Jackson & Brianna came in, running to embrace us.  What a joyful celebration!!

Brianna and I were crying lots of happy tears!!

Jonathan congratulating them

Love these two!

You did it well, Jackson!  

They stopped by Grandma and Grandpa's house, then made their way to Shonda and Jeremy's house where Shonda texted me this adorable photo of Jackson & Brianna changing their Facebook 'relationship statuses' at the same time.  :)

Jackson had been looking at rings for awhile and picked out the perfect ring for Brianna.  So lovely.  You did a great job, Jackson!  We love you and Brianna so much and are excited for all that is before you.  May God richly bless you all the days of your life!