Matthiessen State Park/Engagement 8/18/12

I have fallen a bit behind with the blog posts this past week so I decided to catch up tonight.  When Shana moved up here my mother decided to come up and stay for a few days to help us get settled. This presented me with an opportunity to go engagement ring shopping with my mother and get her opinion.  We snuck out of the apartment and said we were going to clothes shopping for me but instead headed to the jewelry store.  I had been looking at rings for a while and knew what diamond cut, clarity, color, and caret I wanted so, it was only a matter of picking out the right setting and getting the best deal.  I ended up getting what I wanted and was set to propose in mid-October on a camping trip.

Well, after some thinking I decided that waiting would only make us rush more to throw together a wedding.  Also, waiting for the middle of the semester when I am very busy was not a smart idea.  So, I decided to go for it at the end of the summer.

Shana and I like to hike and camp so I convinced her to take a day trip to Matthiessen State Park (Northern/Central Illinois) for some walking and nice photo opportunities.  I hid the ring in my bag and decided that I would do it when we were hiking..... hopefully near a waterfall......  Well, the drought we have been in ruined that idea as the water wasn't flowing well, but I found a nice spot at the top of a small waterfall where the sun was peaking through the trees.  I wasn't very nervous as I don't get nervous about many things, but I was no doubt a bit lack-luster in my presentation.  I guess I am too simple for a big speech! haha.  Either way, she said "Yes" and she squeezed out a few tears.  I guess I did well enough!  Below are some shots I snapped of our hike and a photo of her ring.