Monterey is for lovers. Alternate title: We're getting hitched!!

In April 2012, I met a tall, handsome man at my sister's wedding.

Four years later, we are now planning a wedding of our own.

Yep, Matt and I are officially engaged!! Is this real life? I'm still floating somewhere on a cloud; I have to look down at my hand to realize that this is indeed happening.

In November 2012, Matt told me he loved me for the first time, so it feels extra special that we now get to celebrate November as our engagement month as well! All the holiday feels. All of them.

Now to go back and give the full story:

On Saturday we packed Matt's car and made our way up the Golden coast for a weekend of fun with family. Our plan was to drive to my parents and caravan from there. As we got to the freeway exit, however, Matt gives a huge sigh and informs me that we have to turn around because he left his entire toiletry bag. Me being me, I usually would have questioned this decision: do we really need to go back? Can we drop by Target to get what you need? How can we remedy this without backtracking? But, because I had recently done the same thing - I had forgotten my mom's decorated birthday mug for her Oktoberfest celebration and made Matt drive us back - I didn't question it. We returned to the apartment, Matt ran inside as I sat in the car, and we hit the road again after Matt placed his "toiletries" in the back of the car. We were off for our weekend of fun!

[Roadtrippin]

First order of business: a delicious breakfast at Ellen's Danish Pancake House in Buellton, Calif. A majority of the group got the diner's namesake signature dish: Danish pancakes - crepe-thin cakes about the size of a large dinner plate. We smeared generous portions of homemade jam and ate to our hearts' content.

[Isn't she lovely]

Second order of business: wine. You can't pass by Paso Robles and not enjoy a glass or two. Well, the Hartnetts can't. We sipped our way through wine country, taking a few family photos for our Christmas card along the way. A snake, VIP barrel room access at Firestone, and two sneaky action figures all featured in our vineyard shenanigans.

[Barrel Room buds]

We finally made it up to Pismo Beach, where we stayed at the fabulous ocean front Kon Tiki Inn, one of the greatest finds my parents ever did make. The view is stunning - and the hot tub overlooking the ocean doesn't hurt either.

[Hello, Gorgeous]

After some carbs to soak up the wine, pizza courtesy of the delicious Giuseppe's, and a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi, we called it a night.

Sunday started off right with a walk along the beach, an adventure across the pier in search of geocache, and a pit stop at Old West Cinnamon Rolls because when in Pismo, you always stop for Old West Cinnamon Rolls. We returned to the hotel to hug family who had arrived for my little cousin Aubrey's wedding. It was spectacular - the wedding was held at a remote ranch with the ceremony taking place in an old barn spruced up for the ocassion.

[The Hartnett Gang]

The beer was great (Sierra Nevada), the food was fantastic (BBQ) and I was quite partial to the dessert of choice (well hello their, pie!) A particular highlight - dancing the night away with the cousins. My feet felt it for days after. Days!

The next day Matt and I split off on our own to head further up the coast. For our first anniversary we traveled up to Morro Bay, a beautiful and sleepy coastal city. The furthest we got that trip was San Simeon to see Hearst Castle. This time around we decided to go the long haul up to Monterey.

[This is, in fact, a real picture.]

If there were words to describe the breathtaking beauty of Monterey and its striking coast line. The jagged rocks are like ornately-carved statues, all unique in their stately formations along the peninsula's edge. The frothing white water crests the rocks like a frosting of diamonds, appearing more gem-like with the reflection of the California sun. It was the perfect backdrop for what would become the best day. ever.

Matt and I stopped by our Airbnb - a historic old Victorian house! with an ocean view to boot - and went in search of adventure.

[Handyman]

We parked our car and started our stroll arm-in-arm along the Monterey Bay Coast trail. It was a perfect moment. We found a group of harbor seals sunning themselves on the beach and stopped to enjoy the moment. The next thing I know Matt is on his knee. Most girls would cry. Apparently I squealed. I didn't see it coming! Turns out I was the only one. My entire family was on pins and needles waiting for the call after Matt went to talk to my parents on Friday. Sneaky Matthew.

The rest of the day was equally romantic. We wandered through the Monterey Bay Aquarium, much of which is a fog to me as my mind raced over the rock on my hand and the exciting news - I'm engaged!!

[Evidence]

We ate lunch overlooking the ocean, played mini golf to harken back to one of our first dates....

[Dance Break]

....but this time it was in black light and 3D....

[His balance is on check]

....and Matt won.

[Boo]

We ended the night with sharing a warm cup of hot chocolate as the rain drizzled on outside.

The next day we enjoyed a quiet moment together on the porch swing of our Airbnb and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at a local favorite.

[Homemade Hollandaise at 'First Awakenings' for the win]

We explored the coast some more and returned to our engagement spot!

[Scene of the crime]

As it turns out, the location is referred to as "Lovers' Point." Go figure. We made several stops on our way around the peninsula, including a questionable decision to try and "feel" the Monterey water. This....

quickly turned into this....

which then turned into this....

[Water felt great, by the way]

Then we spent our afternoon on a gorgeous hike at Point Lobos State Park in Carmel (there is a Lonely Cypress and you don't even have to pay the $17 or what not to see it). I highly recommend, the Cypress Grove Trail is like walking through an enchanted forest.

We took the scenic route home along Highway 1. It was an excellent decision: because it was a Tuesday, the roads were clear and we could amble our way at a steady pace along the sea and back to share our exciting news with friends and family.

It's been over a week since Matt popped the question and I still feel like I'm floating on a cloud.

[We love you, Monterey]

As we head into Thanksgiving week I can't help but reflect on all I have to be grateful for. I have a wonderful job at a fantastic institution with people I truly care about. I have my entire family home in Southern California with me, and a healthy, happy, and absolutely adorable nephew. And I now get to spend the rest of my life with a man that loves me for the incredibly silly, often times whacky woman that I am, and would have it no other way. Life is an adventure, and I'm loving every minute of it.