Ohana: That Means Family

Growing up is a funny thing. Growing up while moving a few different places all during the prime of your teenage years isn’t such a funny thing. It was tough during high school to have to move to different cities. It was hard to feel like I never really had a “home.” We moved when I was 13 to a small town in Washington. It was kind of a culture shock because I went from a small town in Wyoming that was almost a 100% white community to a small town in Washington that was almost 95% hispanic. It was tough, but I managed to make new friends pretty quickly thanks to playing sports and being white. HA! I wish I was kidding, but being white kind of made you stand out. Especially being white and blonde. One of the first friends I made in Mattawa was Audra. We both played sports year round-volleyball, basketball, and softball, and instead of being rivals like most young teenage girls would be, I think that brought us even closer. I stayed countless nights over at Audra’s, and it was pretty rare that we were apart. This was back in the time that MSN messenger was pretty hot, and I remember always ending the conversation by saying “LYLAS” or Love You Like A Sister. And we did. I still do! 🙂

But, three years later and I would get the news that my parents were moving me to another place. My dad had gotten a better job that would pay quite a bit more, and my parents felt like it was the best thing to do it. It was hard to break it to my friends, and I strictly remember Audra telling me something along the lines of “it’s hard for you, but it might be harder for the people you leave behind.” That may have been true, but it was also pretty hard for me. Moving to a new place when your almost 16 isn’t easy. Or fun. Luckily I met the volleyball girls over in Othello before school even started, and they would be some of my closest friends until graduation came along.

High School came and gone. Me and Audra didn’t talk as often, but when we did get together it was like we never stopped. It’s so great to have friends like that, and she’s one of the best. She’s also been having me take photos of her sweet family since the beginning of this crazy adventure. It’s been so fun seeing her NOW 4 kids grow up! I still can’t believe she has 4 kids. That makes me feel old. I love that sweet lady, and I love that she continues to ask me to document those sweet moments.

But enough of this sappy post. Let’s see these cuties. 🙂

Nose game level: Expert

Check out that hair!!!! 😀

Baby smiles are the best!

Love this pretty momma like a sister! 🙂