#3.

Meet Alexis.

{New Year's Eve, 2011}

Today, I am thankful for Skype conversations, catching up, 

and this girl.

Alexis is one of my very best friends.

But we never  rarely talk.

I know, right? It's weird.

We met in 8th grade, were best friends from 8th grade throughout high school, and now she goes to school in Southern California, and I am going to school in Northern California.

{Circa 8th grade. Please note the awkwardness and weird lime green shirts.} 

She's amazing—this girl does so much, and is a sweet, hilarious friend to so many people. In other words, she's super involved at her school.

I also am busy, and so we rarely get to talk. 

Okay let's be honest...we could both use some major improvement in the 

keeping-in-touch department.

But seriously. It does not even matter that we don't talk often, because when we do, it's as if nothing has changed. 

I truly believe that a big reason that I am the person I am today, is because of Alexis' influences on me. {Two quick examples: she convinced timid little 8th grade me to try-out for cheerleading for our freshman year of high school. I ended up cheering all 4 years, and my high-school years are some of my favorite memories in the world. They would seriously not have been the same without her. 

Also, she encouraged me to study abroad, 

which was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.}

Alexis is an incredible example of a Godly woman, as she lives out her faith every day and holds me accountable, while she encourages me to do the same.

We finally were able to catch up via Skype yesterday, 

and I could not have been happier. 

{Sophomore year winter formal—so many hilarious stories behind this formal}

{Twin day, sophomore year of high school. Denim skirts, and Uggs...enough said.}

{Football game, sophomore year}

{I convinced Alexis to audition for dance...}

{...and she encouraged me to try out for cheer!}

{Senior year prom}

{Sophomore year of college—Giants game in SF!}

{Ugly sweater Christmas party, 2011}

Love you LexiL0042 {throwback!} I am so, so ecstatic for this summer! 

infinite x's and o's.