Our First Vacation Together

Our first vacation together, would consist of a very scary ride aboard an airplane. (I am very acraphobic....aka fear of heights) Along for the journey, and their very first plane trip, were Billy's 2 sons, Alex 8, and Jacob, 5 at the time.

We boarded the plane in Kansas City, Missouri. Flew to Pittsburgh, PA, where we would board a very small plane, in destination for WV. This flight proved to be even worse than the first! The turbulence was absolutely miserable. I was telling Alex, to be sure to grab the "bag" if he got sick, but, in turn, I felt like I needed it before we landed!

We landed in WV, where Billy's dad, Willis, picked us up for a very long hour and a half drive back to Terra Alta. Just seeing the look of content in Billy's face, was enough to make me wish we hadn't of waited so long to "come home".

We would spend the next 10 days, in the home of his parents.....Willis and Kim Stump, along with their youngest son, Ricky. Of course, Jake ( Billy's younger brother) did decide to show his face for a few of those days.

Sight seeing there was absolutely beautiful! I soaked in the fresh air, and the most glorious and breath taking mountains.

Below, are just a few of the pictures we captured while in Terra Alta, WV.

Billy and I in the smallest church.

This is the very first place that Billy and I had actually talked about marriage. But, realistically, we both knew we wouldn't fit everyone into the church. But, we sure could have gave it our best shot!!

Mom and Billy

Ronda and Billy

Papap, Jacob and Alex

Ricky

Being able to meet Billy's family, and seeing all of the beautiful sights, was wonderful. Everyone made me feel right at home. His mother even made the comment, that she would really like Billy and I to get married. Even said I was the nicest and prettiest! (I think she needs her eyes re-checked) But, either way, her wish came true!

Billy and Jake

Billy acting silly

Billy, Alex, and Jacob....Black Water Falls, WV

Ronda, Billy, Jacob under the bridge

These are some of the pictures we took when we went to see Black Water Falls. The kids were amazed at how small the Church was.

Inside the smallest church

Billy, Alex, Jacob....smallest post office

Make a wish....Alex and Jacob

Statue at smallest church

We are planning our next trip to WV in May, as soon as Billy has completed his term in the Army.

Billy and I at Blackwater Falls

While vacationing, we visited quite a few beautiful sights. The smallest church in the United States, along with the smallest Post Office, were among all of our favorites.

The most beautiful, being Black Water Falls. Around 188 steps, start the journey to the most beautiful sight in the world, to me! You could literally feel the cool mist showering you in the hot sun. I could stand and watch the waterfalls for hours on end. Which, we did come close to standing there for several hours. It was AMAZING!!

We also got to take a little hike underneath a "train bridge" It was huge. We looked so small standing under it.

And of course, "Where is Macomber anyway?"

The Marriage Proposal........

Wednesday, September 21, 2004. (he had JUST returned from a long plane trip from New York) We drove out to the Oregon Trail. Sauntered around the trail, trying to locate the hidden gravesite of a little girl, who had passed on the long journey many years ago.

We walked back to the site, where we sat at the picnic table for quite a while, just soaking in the sounds of the coyotes baying at the rising moon, and grass blades, rustling in the wind.

With darkness approaching, Billy quietly and nervously reached into his pocket. He "himhawed" around for quite a bit. Telling me how much he missed me while he was gone, and how deeply in love he was with me. We gazed into each others eyes almost non-stop, before he knelt in front of me on one knee. With the words "I love you with all of my heart. Will you marry me?", coming from his soft lips. I thought I had died and gone to Heaven at that very moment. And my reply?

"Yes, Billy! I will marry you!"