Proposing to Jamie on Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park was one of the greatest moments of my life. I had decided that I wanted to propose to my future bride at Big Bend National Park some ten years before. To me there was no better place to propose than the Big Bend. It was there that I hoped to reveal the extent of my love for her, through showing her my passion for Texas and the extreme beauty of its natural surroundings.

The path to the peak began at the Lava Grill in Grapevine, Texas nearly six months before, while Jamie and I were at home in Texas on Christmas break. I met Jamie's parents to ask for their permission for her hand in marriage. I knew she was the wonderful lady that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with well before this time, but I was still a nervous wreck going in there! It didn't take long for me to sense the kind reassurance of her (hilarious!) mom and the dadmiral. The love that we share for Jamie truly bound us together that day, and it is something that I will never forget. #norefunds #noexchanges

It seemed like our return to Stillwater that January and the spring semester just flew by. I took my PhD comprehensive exams, Jamie worked hard, and the Leela barked! The date for our greatest adventure to date came and went. Our arrival at Big Bend found us braving the wind and the cold rain in the two short days leading up to our hike to the highest point in the park. Despite the stormy weather we woke up before dawn and set out to watch the sunrise from atop Emory Peak. Considering the rugged trail and the inclement weather that we were forced to endure Jamie must have thought that this was some insane test that I had concocted for her! Things could not have worked out better. We reached the summit and for a few short minutes the weather cleared and the sun came out. As the new day dawned I asked Jamie to join me on the greatest trip of our lives.

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