Miss Maverick { marissa }

This gal has been my best friend for almost 20 years! I remember the day I met her... orientation day of first grade at our neighborhood elementary school. She had a long, thick, swinging french braid down to her waist and wore a gorgeous, ruffly red and white dress. She was like super eye candy to this dirty blonde in velcro shoes and jeans. Since then, we've been through everything together. She made me watch The Labrynth when we were 8 (and now that I think about it, every scary or depressing movie I've ever seen was with Marissa over a bag of Salt & Vinegar chips or a bowl of Pork n Beans). We shared the desolate backfield as un-coordinated defenders for years of soccer (and both whiff-kicked enough balls to fill 10 hours of america's funniest home videos). She was at every one of my birthday parties, front and center, with the best-wrapped present and a whopping serving of something sweet on top (and served as my candy dealer for years since I came from a granola-only household). But more than anything, she was always there for me to cuddle and talk to-- weird and hilarious, sweet and observant, comforting and kind-- not to mention a total knockout. Cheers to our next Coconut Prawn and Top Gun date, as well as the next 20 years of our friendship....

Double or Nothing { peter & brian }

Talk about dashing. These two could be hired by Ray Ban for their looks and Comedy Central for their wit... whenever I'm invited to a dinner party with them, I go fully aware that I'm running the risk of a Peter/Brian hangover the next morning... that includes sore cheeks and abs and the not-so-faint memory of having the best time of my life. You guys busy next Friday?

Ecola in Love { mike & lisette }

I met Mike and Lisette for the first time on my recent trip to Ptown. I spent a day trailing them, like a birdwatcher, through the Pearl District and Ecola State Park, where Mike proposed to Lisette one hot summer day last year. They reminded me of a pair of lovebirds-- or owls, maybe... perching, wandering, preening, sparring... and never moving too far away from one another. You two were a true pleasure to admire- congratulations on your engagement!

Bubba & Co. { ryan, joey, leslie & chance }

Dear Ryan,

Thank you for letting me get all up in your face with the clicky black thing, tickle you, make disparaging comments about your adorable old man double chin, and for sharing your wonderful parents with me for a few hours. One day you'll realize how lucky you are to have them (and their good genes, I might add)... so take it easy on them in your terrible twos and teens.
Know your Honorary Aunties Kelty and Hannah will always be around for you to make faces at for family documentation purposes (or just because).

Love, Kelty