I think I was about 7 when Kolby invited me to my first camping trip.. Kolby was the youngest child in her family, and a total tomboy after bring raised with her two older brothers in their hunting/ fishing/ camping loving home. At least once a year from our elementary to middle school years, I’d join Kolby, her brothers, their best friends, and her father on what would become some of my most glowing childhood memories.

This wasn’t your state-park-with-toilets-and-showers sort of camping, ohhhhhhh no. These were pitching tents in the middle of nowhere, getting lost in the woods on four wheelers, and telling scary stories around the campfire sort of adventures. Kolby and I stayed close through high school, with Chick-fil-a Thursdays and a handful of classes together.

So many of the most important memories from my childhood were with this family, and Kolby was my first friend and still remains my oldest friend. I’ve watched her grow from the cutest freckle-faced five year old to the incredible woman and mother she is today. Though our visits are few and far between and I don’t pick up the phone nearly as often as I should, I’m so thankful that Kolby has remained such a dear friend. I so wish we lived closer, but it just makes the few visits we do get that much more special.

Kevin and Cheri were truly my second parents growing up, and their marriage was the one I most admired. Their home was always open to me. Their backyard had a trampoline *and* a swing set, and most importantly, their fridge was always stocked with Dr. Pepper and Kool-Aid. :) I never feel as home as I do in that pineapple-stenciled kitchen! These 5 faces- These people are my childhood. <3

 

Pops and Cee-Cee with the six luckiest grandchildren in the world.

These giiiiiiirls! <3

Thank you for totally making this photo, Lilly! <3

   Conways, I love you all more than I could ever express. Hope to do it again this year!!! :)