Hugs are from...

Tanner. 

Everyone in the Samammish Valley YSA/ world should know this. Try it you guys, I dare you. Tanner gives the best hugs honestly, out of anyone I know. He will also make you laugh, I promise you. 

He'll also surprise you. He surprised me.

One time I wanted to go on a walk, but it ain't safe for a lady to do that on her own you know so I had Tanner come along for safety 'course. I remember it wasn't a very short one. So, at the end of the night Tanner half joked, "I was expecting you to be balling, telling me about boy problems and I'd be stroking your hair by now...at least thats what usually happens when girls tell me they want to go on a walk." I laughed.

How did I get so blessed to meet a genuine heart from South Carolina all the way over here in the Northwest? It's funny how paths cross in the weirdest way. Just like Ethan, we plowed into the picture about the same time. Actually I think our first church Sunday was the same day. I don't believe in coincidences. Tanner is like my long lost animated and bubbly half brother. Like a much toned down southern charmed slightly country and redneck Brian Reagan. Basically. He makes me happy and I'm grateful we appreciate each others quirks and wild expressions. AND WE GON' GET OUR REDNEK ON WHEN HE GETS HIS YEEP UP AND GON.

(S/o to Lawrence, if you're reading this which you aren't but I'll say it anyway- help a brother and sister out!!!) 

Love you loads Tanner man! 

Golden Hero Trophy Heart.

Let me tell you about my little brother, though I already have before. 
So what's changed? 

He is now 2 months into his 2 years dedicating his life full time, wholeheartedly to the Lord on a mission. His persistence is still there, just deeper set and being put to great use. His humor is still there. He's still Kenny, just as an Elder now. Upgrade! 

He doesn't do A THING halfhearted. Wake boarding, well-boating at all really, work, band, his friends, his life, everything. I wish I could live with the courage that he does! He is so many things good. Genuine, forgiving, loving, wanting to move forward as best he can and acting instead of being acted upon. His letters are INSANE! The kid sounds like he's been out for two years already. I'm not boasting or bragging because he's my brother, I mean it. And I couldn't be more proud.

And more grateful to have him as such a blessing and especially as a brother. Seriously, look at that face. My fav. He is a huge example to me, and I am immensely grateful for him and the relationship we've built. I love you bud, miss you loads but I honestly couldn't be more proud of you! 

Trip Report!

Dude. DUUUUUUDE. 

Remember that one time we got real stuck in a river for like 4+ hours and thought we could die?

That was real. I felt like we were in a movie...wild, dude. It's almost beautiful with the shovel pictured there and all. Um, no. Never mind. We'll be able to tell our children and our childrens children about such events that transpired! Ha. Well anyway, did I tell you I already have your Christmas present? I do. You'll probably like it. Unless if I got the wrong size. Which could be detrimental to our friendship...cool. (Emoji fist bump here) But our friendship is pretty uh, RAD. Lots of laughs! Lots of hikes! And SO MUCH MUSIC. Lots of drives! Lots of adventures! All ranges of random adventures too. Grateful we could have all of those. I think our next one should be here in the Pacific Northwest *cough cough. Grateful I could call you with boy troubles. Grateful nothin's changed. Grateful you worked for my dad so we got a friendship from it. Ha. Grateful we still talk at random. Let's be honest, I'm grateful for Vans. Grateful our friendship is so low maintenance and easy. Grateful you're you, Kelly! I think I have a special place in my heart for Polynesians thanks to you haha. Grateful its been so easy. Grateful for all of it, genuinely. And I'm still game to go halfsies on a Jeep um, duh. Happy we're best pals! 

How's this for a Monday surprise! Heyohh! 

Sundresses and Coconut Syrup.

To my disney loving, slack lining, rock slinging (which I still have...), newsies singing, rock climbing, adrenaline junky, big goofy kid of a good friend Ethan:

Surprise! You're getting a shout out, and you will probably be the last one to see it!

You know, honestly I dont remember our very first encounter- now that I'm writing about it. Though I'm willing to bet it was camping. I'm sure of it! We've had many escapades in our year of existing here in The Wash. We came in the area around the same time so I naturally felt in the same ship with you. Good for us, right?! Good thing we closed the previous chapters to start our best one yet. Plus, I got a homemade freaking B.A. room hammock stand out of you, without even asking! Who even does that?! You're the easy going type anyone can be a friend with, and kind. Which isn't so common these days. Probably why you and dogs get along so well. You have to have one of the most infectious laughs I think I've ever heard. Some of my most euphoric spontaneous moments in this last bit- you've been there to enjoy them along with me. And now you left! How dare you grow up! Haha glad it wasn't far and we can still escape to the mountains and better paths in the backroads not taken.  
So grateful that somehow in life our stories overlapped. Here's to many more marks in the hiking journals, and adventures to come. Raising my "non alcoholic beer" in a toast to you.  

Man, I Love This Life.

Sage! 
Of course you're the first I'm posting about. Pfff, are you kidding? That 7am phone call yesterday claimed the spot. Guess what I found this week happening upon the daunting task of organizing my photos because I'm a psycho: 

Aaaaaand the classic:

Backbone of our friendship right there. Sealed the deal. Remember Zion? That day really was the greatest. And after all this time, I still cannot believe you keep calling me and making the effort. 2 years. That hallway video was captured almost exactly 2 years ago. I’m floored. And ever so grateful we crossed paths when you were pretending city instead of wranglers, boots and plaid. Sometimes I think maybe that time was just for me and my storybook of life. You’ve always been there for me, a real, raw and genuine true friend. We’ve gotten through A (helluva) L O T. Haha ohhh the country alias of you I didn’t expect- you even got me on a horse! I miss physically talking over our everyday splurges at Splurge- man I could use a cherry limeade right about now. You’ve taught me so much about friendship, and I’m so glad and ever so grateful we got ours.

Through thick and thin you're my best friend, Cowboy.