One thing the Leal & Lantz families already have in common is the joy of spending the holidays together.

As both families prepared for the holiday season, one Saturday afternoon, JJ picked up a ring and stopped by Joe & Jessika's (Dad & Mom) for a visit. He showed off the ring and described his upcoming plan for a proposal. The same day, Chris (Older Brother), stopped by as well, seeing the ring JJ had on display and presented a ring of his own for his then girlfriend (now fiance), Meagan. The boys were BOTH planning to propose around very similar timeframes and the Leal family was in for a very special holiday season.

For a post-Christmas getaway, both the Leal & Lantz families planned to spend a few days in the Texas Hill Country, renting homes within 10 minutes of each other. An afternoon/evening was planned to get both families together in Fredericksburg, TX, known as a fun tourist destination and home to a nightly Christmas light show near their market square, Marktplatz.

Unbeknownst to Jessie, as the light show began, both families stood ready, waiting to see exactly when JJ would take advantage of the moment and drop to a knee. Jessie, oblivious to what was to come, at the time was goofing around with her siblings, attempting to hold their hands to sing the whoville song from the How the Grinch Stole Christmas films, not knowing almost everyone had one eye on her.

Following the show, the family took turns taking photos - one family at a time, the mini families within took turns as well. When it came time for JJ, Jessie and Luke, a couple snaps were taken, Luke was handed off and just before JJ made his move Jessie, confused why everyone in the family seemed to want shots of just them, said "Look at everyone with their phones up, they look so funny, like paparazzi".

JJ turned to get her attention, a difficult feat at times, expressed his love and asked for her hand in marriage. Jessie agreed with excitement.

The night ended with Jessie learning that JJ, coincidently, selected a ring almost identical to the engagement ring Dave (Dad) gave to Deena (Mom) for their engagement more than 30 years ago.

A holiday vacation the family will remember forever.

Registry