We are finally starting our forever!!

Joe and I met in high school. He was from Hoisington, and I was from Bison (Otis-Bison). We met through a mutual friend one summer night. We got along well and enjoyed each other’s company. Many miles were acquired on our vehicles. We wanted to spend every free moment together. We attended many high school events together. Sadly, we parted ways after one and a half years together. After that, we each started new relationships and eventually started familes of our own. However, we were reunited 17 years later after we both experienced divorces. Fate brought us back together by some miracle! Now, we know how blessed we are to have each other with our blended families. Our line up at home is right down the middle: three boys and three girls. Plus a couple cats and a sweet Labrador. We look forward to everyday that we get to spend together with each other and our children!

Thanks to Joe, I have fallen in love with time at the lake, Lake Wilson specifically. On Labor Day weekend 2020, Joe and I planned a weekend at the lake with some close friends. Friday and Saturday were normal days filled with swimming, bon fires, relaxing with friends. On Sunday however, Joe seemed distracted, constantly on his phone texting. As I was preparing for a fish fry that we had planned for that evening, I was surprised with the appearance of my four children, my parents, Joe's boys and parents. I didn't think much of it. Maybe they just wanted to enjoy the lake. Around 1:30pm, I was shocked when our friends started to gather at our camp site. Weird! I started to become suspicious! The kids were playing in the water, friends are sitting there enjoying company and drinks. With a light breeze in the heat, it was an all-in-all perfect day. I noticed Joe was constantly looking towards the dam. Yep, something was definitely up. Around 2pm, Joe grabbed my hand and walked me to the waters edge. Joe: "You're not at all suspicious with all these people here?" Me: "Oh no, I am VERY suspicious!" He then proceeded to poor his heart out to me. Joe: "You know I love you right? And how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you. With our children blended into our family...." By this time, I am teared up! Joe: "Now I want you to look over your right shoulder." I was completely perplexed! Leann "WHY?" And off in the distance, I could see a small plane with something flying behind it. After a short moment, I can read LEANN WILL YOU MARRY ME? My girls started screaming after reading the sign! When I turned back around with tears still in my eyes and my hand over my mouth in shock, Joe is on one knee, holding a beautiful ring! I looked back at the plane to make sure this was real! Without hesitation, "Yes I will!" Joe did an amazing job keeping this from me and my children. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal and day! The start of our forever!!!