times like these.

one slow evening, while drew was still in town, i got to meet up with these friends for a picnic. 

later on, alex, drew & i had a convo about our friendship... past, present & future. 

back when i met them at the beginning of highschool {7 yrs ago! gahh! crazy to think it's been that long!}, i don't really think i realized what dear friends they would become to me. friends as close as brothers. since then, we've outgrown those awkward hs years, worked through outside relationships, lived vicariously through one another's travels, shared some glorious moments... and not-so glorious moments, danced as often as possible (the roof, fountain square, symphony on the prairie, random garages & new years parties) & worked through eachother's quirks. we know we've sometimes let one another down & not always been there for eachother, but i'm grateful to say that because of Christ in us, we pressed on to work & grow through each hurdle... pulling one another up in turn. 

so even as we are reflecting on the memories of the past, we get to look forward to what the future has in store. we know our relationships with one another will change as we marry & move into new seasons of life, but i look forward to our future spouses/children joining the "family". if there's anything i've learned, it's this... friendships like these are special and not to be thrown out just because the new season we're about to enter has new & sometimes challenging dynamics. some of my parents dearest friends are those that they went to college with & knew before they were married... those core groups of believers who encouraged, struggled alongside & challenged them to grow. and since i've been blessed with some of the same strong friendships rooted in Christ, i look forward to being friends, brothers & sisters, for years to come. 

these are just two of many.

sitting here so thankful. grateful. and humbled. 

and shoutout to kiana, drew's sis, who joined us on our picnic venture:) always enjoy having her around!