Here is our engagement story from Libby's point of view with Ernie's comments sprinkled in for effect: Since I was visiting San Diego twice, we decided to split up the weekends and each plan one. I had planned the first weekend and Ernie planned the second. The only catch was that Ernie told me he was keeping everything in his weekend a surprise. So, it may be an understatement to say I was excited to get our weekend started…. I had been living in suspense for too long!
After the airport we didn't have far to go to get a quick lunch at C-Level, where had a wonderful meal and an amazing dessert. Then we headed off to the San Diego Air Show, which was incredible. From vintage planes to ultra-modern F-22’s the Air Show had it all. We walked around and had a blast checking out all the aircrafts on the ground, being careful not to walk into anything while looking up at the   The next morning, I was brimming with excitement to see what the day had in store for us. We got up early, got dressed [Ernie: I told her to wear a bathing suit and shorts which clearly got her head spinning about what was in store but due to careful planning she never anticipated the next step] In the car we played a guessing game of possible choices. I guessed snorkeling, swimming with seals, and surf lessons. Oddly enough at the Air Show on Friday there was a jet-ski display, to which Ernie commented “You really want to do that huh? Well, maybe someday, it is very expensive”, I thought nothing of it at the time. As we were getting closer to our destination, I was reading all of the signs to gather clues. Finally – one popped out at me, “ We ARE going jet-skiing!!” I shouted. Laughing, Ernie admitted that yes… we were scheduled for a 9:00am jet-ski tour of La Jolla. I have always wanted to go on a jet-ski, so I was pumped. We were sharing a jet-ski and decided that Ernie would drive first, and I would switch later. Our group headed out and the 5mph getting out of the harbor was filled with views of seals sunning on the docks and floating lazily on their backs – already this. Was. Awesome. Before we knew it we were out on open water going 30mph jumping waves (catching air, ahh!) and having a blast. We went all the way out to the breathtaking views of La Jolla.  After changing into dry clothes and wiping the salt from our
faces  [Ernie: What she didn't realize her first trip out was that the dresses I bought her were for tonight.] Once we were dressed our first stop was Altitude rooftop bar, which only added to the long list of breath taking views we had seenthroughout the day. 
On Friday while we were driving around I had noticed a yacht called the Inspiration Hornblower and made a joke to Ernie about the name. So Ernie suggested we go check out the ship before dinner. Off we went, but when we got there the parking was $10 and I told Ernie that it was okay, I didn’t need to see the boat that badly. He said it wasn’t a problem and we would just stop quick. Well, the line for the pre-pay parking machine was about a mile long and again I said it was silly to pay so much and wait in such a line to go see the boat. Ernie insisted that it was not a problem and there was a place down the street we could go for dinner if we wanted so I gave up and went with it. Frankly, I thought it was a little crazy but decided not to argue. Finally, we headed over to the dock of the marina where the Inspiration Hornblower was, but there was a huge line of people where a man asked, “Checking in for dinner, sir?” to which Ernie replied, “Yes”. I was flabbergasted! I bombarded him with questions: “Did you plan this all along?” “Are you sure you didn’t book this when we were getting ready for dinner?” “Are we really going on a dinner cruise?”. Yes, he had it planned way in advance…little did I know.  Almost immediately, we were served artichoke and spinach dip appetizer which he pre-ordered for us because that is what we shared on our first date. I was utterly in heaven. Once we got going, he asked me if I wanted to go up to the top deck to check it out. [Ernie: I had a long speech planned in my head, it was at this point that I panicked and forgot the whole thing] Once in a secluded corner of the top deck he asked me if I knew that the engagement ring of Mema’s that my Mom sometimes wore was not Mema’s original engagement diamond. My mind went numb and I’m pretty sure I shook my head no…why? He knew because when he spoke to my parents letting them know he was going to ask me to marry him my Mom had told him. He then got down on one knee, told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to marry him! Through my tears I said “YES!”!!!
Ernie then told me to get my phone because my family knew and was awake waiting for my call. I had started to cry hysterically when he proposed and continued to on and off for about the next twenty-five minutes while we called family and friends.  
Once we docked and headed back to the hotel, Ernie had a couple more surprises: there was a dozen roses waiting for me and he had ordered ingredients to make me crepes for breakfast in the kitchenette of our room. Along with the roses was a bottle of wine and a card from the hotel staff, and a card my parents mailed to Ernie with a post-it that said “Please save this for the appropriate moment!”. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, proposal, or man to spend the rest of my life with! 
Oh, and those crepes were great the next morning! [Ernie: I finally was able to relax, the plan had gone off without a hitch, thanks to everyone's help!] |
We are Engaged! >
He had custom designed the ring, which has three stones… one is Mema’s original engagement diamond. The stone has a slight yellow tint, as that is all Papa could afford at the time but is the perfect way to see that she is with me all the time.