The Skinny on our Proposal

I realize I never shared the story of the day I said "yes" to spend forever with Mr. Kennedy. So here it is for whoever missed out. 

We had planned to go for our second round on the Appalachian Trail on Memorial Day Weekend. We'd gotten all prepared with a doggy backpack, took off an extra day from work, and psyched ourselves into the hike ahead. The rainy forecast made us change our plans; Hiking and sleeping with a soggy dog for three days seemed less than appealing. So instead, we decided to do a day hike on Cumberland Island for our first time. 

The night before, we'd biked to the store and got all the supplies for our picnic lunch. I woke up early, made our tasty sammies, and we headed out. Running a little behind with a strict schedule to catch the ferry, we were a little stressed on the drive. Then I realized I'd left the sandwiches. At this point I started to cry from annoyance with myself. I'd ruined the day and we were going to starve on the island and all things irrational and bad. 

Nearing the ferry, we stopped for gas, and I ran as fast as I could into the Subway. I stood twiddling my thumbs, worrying about everything as the workers took their time.

Finally we made it to the ferry, I hopped out for D to find parking, and ALL HAIL! We didn't miss it! So off we went to this nature-rich island! 

We hiked and hiked through beautiful, dense trails for hours, rested for sandwiches and ticks on a log, and kept on hiking. About three hours in, we bee-lined to the ocean to cool off. We crossed through one of my favorite scenes over a little wooden path with swampy water on both sides and the brightest rays shining onto lily pads. I kept wondering if and when he was going to pop the question. There were so many pretty scenes! Said lily pad dreamland spot, for example. "Maybe I ruined it with this morning's mistakes... Maybe he just forgot the ring. Or maybe he can't trust a woman that forgets important sandwiches at home..." 

Finally reaching the ocean, I ran right in with no one in sight. Dylan ran back to "put his money away" and then came out to meet me. As he was holding me up with waves crashing around us, he started to say some words that sounded like a proposal! I wasn't sure if he was going to start it there and finish on the shore or what, but then I looked over and there my ring was on his pinky! His speech was so sweet, of course, about wanting to be a great husband and live a fulfilling life together. I believe I shouted, "Of course!" and then emotions turned to fear that he was going to drop the ring in the sea.  But he successfully transferred the ring from his finger to mine. 

We walked back on the beach, hand in hand, frequently checking my hand for this new foreign object that meant so much. It's funny how I've worn so many rings on that finger but it felt like it had never felt one before in its life.

"We went into the ocean single and came out engaged!" 

It was the most perfect proposal I could've ever imagined. Spontaneous, full of adventure, on a hike, in the ocean... Can't wait to marry this guy in LESS THAN A MONTH!