Happy Birthday to my sweet Auntie Jenna!

I hit the jackpot 22 years ago in the friend department! Jen and I had just pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma and we both felt a little out of place for the first few weeks as we were one of the few "older" girls to pledge. We were sophomores while nearly every one else were freshman. It was this simple similarity that connected us and I am so glad it did!

I was so blessed to have met this sweet girl all those years ago! (This picture was taken right after we met.)

I knew almost immediately after meeting Jen that we were destined to be best friends. She is without a doubt the most loving and caring person I know. She'd drop anything for you and come to your rescue. She is an amazing listener and always knows what to say when I'm blue. She's a blast to hang out with and from the instant I met her I could always be myself 100%.

We've been through so much together and she's always been there for me. My life is so much more complete by having her friendship. And even though we don't live next door to each other like we said we would in college, our friendship has not suffered in the least. In fact, it's even stronger. We have such a wonderful sisterly bond that no matter how many miles separate us we're only a phone call away. And despite the craziness of our lives, we still manage to talk at least once or twice a week.

So in honor of Auntie Jenna's 40th birthday, here's a little walk down memory lane.

One of many formals together in college.

Halloween 1993?

A classic picture from one of many college socials.

River rafting down the American River after college.

Jen and I went to Telluride, Colorado after college for a summer trip and we wound up living there for 4 years! It was an amazing experience and one that deeply solidified our life long friendship.

Camping in Telluride.

I'm sure our parents were relieved when we finally decided to move back from Telluride and decided it was time to get serious. Jen got her nursing degree and I got my teaching certificate.

We each finally met "the one" and stood up for each other in our weddings. I had to include this picture because Jen gave the most memorable speech for our wedding. She was so nervous and then blew the crowd away with her wit and amazing speaking skills.

Babies came next. Here Jenna is pregnant with her first baby, Ella.

And here's Jen 7 months pregnant with her second baby, Eli, holding Dane. She traveled all the way up to Alaska to meet Dane and help out with my new journey of Mommyhood.

Here she is with Jaeger Ray. Again, leaving her own family to come help me with mine. And she was such an amazing help! She actually slept with Jaeger an entire night so I could get some sleep. I mean really, who does that except for your mom?


And here are all of our munchkins together. :)

I have so many amazing memories with Jen. We lived together for over 10 years, went on countless road trips, attended a zillion concerts (Shawn Colvin being our top favorite and most times attended!), ran marathons together, hosted lots of game nights and awesome New Year's Eve bashes in our awesome beach apartment in Carlsbad, played cards until the wee hours of the night instead of writing papers or doing homework, drank endless Mochas at the Steaming Bean and Vinaka Cafe, and shared endless stories, tears and laughter throughout the years.

I'm slightly saddened that blogging and digital cameras weren't around in my twenties as it would have been a great to preserve all we've actually done together, but the most important thing is that my heart is filled with happiness when I think of my dear friend Jen.

Jen, you are true best friend and I'm proud to call you mine.

Happy 40th birthday Auntie Jenna. I love you more than 1,000,000 naked biscuits running down the hallway. :)

And the search is over!

Dane finally found a friend to play fire fighter with him!

This is Mindy's little girl, Delayna and she was such a sport playing fire fighter OVER AND OVER again with Firefighter Paul (Dane's newest firefighter name).

Isn't she the cutest little fire fighter?

And here's a video of the kids putting out the fire.

84 ° and taking full advantage of it!

The last few days have been GORGEOUS and we've been taking full advantage of the blue skies and 80° weather. Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day, but we loved every minute of it.

Of course being that it was Monday, we started our day at the fire station. And today we had company. My friend, Janet, and her grandson came along to see the firefighters in action.

We then headed to Harborview Park for some fun in the sun.

After a wonderful lunch at Paradise Cafe we headed up the Mount Roberts Tramway.


Taking in the view with friends, Hayden and Rylan.

Our gang.
Leave it to boys to find an awesome tree to climb in!


This one is for you Nannie! :)


Since the sun was still shining after nap time, we headed to Lena Beach for hot dogs & S'mores. Now, even though Angie told me the kids would want to swim, I didn't quite believe her. I was thinking are you crazy - yes, it's 80° out, but I doubt the kids would want to actually swim in the cold Alaskan water. Well, I was wrong! So off went the clothes and we hung out in our undies. Yep, I'm THAT mom!


We had a blast! Today the sun is shining again - I wonder what adventures await. :)