Kindred Spirits: Regan

You know, most siblings in today's society don't have actual stories of how they first met. You were born into the same family, so you've just always known them? That's how it usually goes. That is not the case here. 

Meet my step sister, Regan. Honestly, a more proper name for her would be friend. My best friend. Because that's exactly what she's been to me from the moment we first met.

It was the first day of 5th grade. I was in the back row of the room sitting at my desk being dramatic about something that I thankfully cannot remember. Some girl sitting two seats away from me laughed at just about everything that came out of my mouth. 5th grader me obviously liked that someone new found me so funny, so we started talking and I learned her name was Regan Wright, and she had just moved to the school from another town 30 minutes away. We became immediate friends. 

Unfortunately, the entire duration of the school year is a blur up until about the last week of it. I don't know why we waited until the end of the school year to finally hang out, but we did for some reason. It was a school night. I remember that much because that was a big deal in 5th grade. You didn't have sleepovers on a school night. But after our parents talked on the phone, they both agreed this wouldn't harm anything. An hour and a half later, Regan's dad dropped her off and that's when our parents first met. It seriously must have been love at first sight because less than a couple weeks later they started dating, on into 6th grade, 7th, and then in 8th grade they got married! Such a crazy story! 

But that is how Regan and I met/ became sisters. You wouldn't think we'd be best friends if you based the relationship off of common ground. Our personalities are so different from one another. But that's why I think it's so incredible that she knows me better than I even know myself. It's a serious gift from God. 

Regan has a heart of gold. A heart after God. A heart for others. She's a dreamer. And I love her. Growing up with her has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. I don't think I'd be the same if I'd grown up with out her. I know I wouldn't. If there's anyone I wish a long and happy life of fairytales and love for one's neighbor upon, it's her. She deserves it. She is so precious to me. I'm so proud of her. And I'm so thankful she is my kindred spirit. 

Summer's End

Goodness. Can you believe summer is already almost over? Do you realize what this means? This means I am officially a Nashville Citizen. What?????

I moved down on Saturday with my mom and my aunt. It feels super strange, honestly. My first night here, I crawled into my bed to go to sleep and I just felt so funny. This is my home now? How weird! My parents house is not my house anymore. It's just all very weird.

I'm most excited about making new friends and meeting new people and I await the day this place feels like home. Because right now it just kind of feels like I'm visiting. I will have a post soon of our apartment (once it's decorated and such). On a side note, if you were wondering, my roommate is as cute as a button. I haven't gotten the chance to spend much time with her yet, though, since my family has been here with me. But I drove them to the airport this morning and Lauren (my roommate) & I have plans to hang out this evening.

For now, I wanted to share a few snippets of my summer. It was truly one of the best ones I've ever had, especially for it being my final one spent in Kansas. Hooray!

Taking photos with Aleah was one of my favorite things. She has such an incredible eye as a photographer and an even more incredible heart. I am so thankful to have her as a best friend.

I spent most of my nights with these next two. I guess it was bound to happen. We all have the same schedules, for crying out loud. They sincerely are a huge part of why this was one of the best summers. Even if they didn't realize it, they have taught me so much. I went to school with Paige from 1st grade until we graduated, and we never spoke a word. Now here we are and she is one of my closest friends. I am so lucky to have her in my life, especially since she'll be moving to Knoxville, the same week I move to Nashville. It will be so nice having her so close, when we'll both be going through the same things being so far from home. And Zane. Where do I even begin with him? I love how I can be whoever I want when I'm with him. With both of them. I just like to hang out with them. We went on so many adventures this summer that I will never forget.

Fourth of July.

Paige & I went to KC one day. Twas absolutely wonderful. I seriously love her. I can't say that enough. Pretty much we just went for the coffee. How cute is she?!

One night, I cooked dinner for some pretty special people. It was so beautiful and so colorful and I had an amazing time. It was intimate and evening time and fireflies were flying all around and it was magic.

                                      

Here are a few other shots of simple things I was able to capture. Now it's time for the next chapter of my life. I've been waiting for Tennessee for what seems like a very long time. I can't contain my excitement. It's crazy that I'm finally here.