My Girls

Earlier this month, I celebrated my 30th birthday.  I think it is only natural at different milestones to start taking stock of where you are in life currently, how your past has impacted you and what you want your future to resemble. 

 

 When I started analyzing the last couple of decades, one thing has been steadfast at any point of my life.  For the last two decades, I have had the same girls, now women, surround me at every moment.

 

 

I know that having even just one friendship that has lasted nearly 20 years is rare and something to cherish. But for me to be able to say that I have a group of nine other women that have been there day in and day out for that period of time is remarkable.  

 

 

Since we couldn't celebrate my birthday in our traditional method (attempting to party like we are turning 21, but these days only for an hour or two) due to #2, I asked everyone to humor me and have professional pictures taken by my beloved Carissa Byers.  I wanted to document our friendship, I wanted to make sure that we had something to look back at when we are celebrating our 60ths.

 

 

Growing up, I always said that when I turn 30 that is when I will finally be an adult.  Now that I'm here, I don't really know about that.  I suppose on paper-owning a house, two cars, a nearly four year old and another on the way-I am one but I still feel so very young.  When I'm with my girls, I feel like we quickly transplant ourselves to 15 years ago having sleep overs and talking about boys (except now, they are our husbands).

 

 We aren't able to get together as often as we want to due to distance, time, or just life in general.  But when we do, just like any genuine friendship, no time has passed and we pick up where we left off laughing until we cry, eating all the delicious foods, and supporting each other though our trials.

 

I am beyond blessed to be able to call each one of these girls not only a friend, but a best friend.  I can't imagine where I would be now without them, and refuse to think I will have a future where they won't be a phone call (or text, or Facebook message or whatever social media we have over the next 50 years) away.  I adore each and every single one of them and appreciate each one for how unique they are.  

 

    Allie, Lindsey, Heather, Chelsea, Michele, Amanda, Stephanie, Erin and Jenny-you have enriched my life beyond what my words can say.  I love each of you and look forward to what the next 30 and beyond brings us as girlfriends.