So in 1989 my family moved from Tucson, Arizona to Clearfield, Utah. Right next door was a girl my age and we became instant friends. I remember Carrie and I watching Jazz games together, scary movies (like The Changling! Ahhh!), cartoons like Animaniacs, sewing the same pants, going to district science fairs together, high school dances, choir concerts, weddings, game nights… we’ve been in each other’s lives forever. She’s one of my very best friends. Still we are there for each other. We always get together at the beginning of the year for our birthday celebration at Zupas, lately we’ve been having a summer BBQ on the lake with tubes and paddleboards, at Christmastime Carrie hosts our annual Fondue dinner and dessert. We’ve had wonderful times.
I’ve also been able to watch her 4 beautiful children grow up. Braden’s one of the oldest of my friend’s kids. He was born more then 6 years before my oldest so I’ve looked at him, and the way Carrie and Jared have raised him, as an example for my kids. I’ve been able to watch a small boy who would color all over basement walls with permanent marker and worried his parents to pieces in elementary school to a young man ready to graduate from high school and go on a mission. He is such a fun, loving, respectful young man. Carrie and Jared you have such a remarkable boy! You’ve done such a great job! Thank you for letting me take his portraits today. I think he loved it!! lol I love you Both!