It all started with neighboring rooms in our freshman dorm. From day one Lex has been a loyal and generous friend that I can depend on in thick or thin. Danny and I are elated that we get to have Lexi (and Jason) as our Chicago neighbors for the foreseeable future!

Claire has been my longest friend...well more like a sister. Since elementary school Claire has been my partner in crime. From co-parenting a litter of bunnies to collecting "Littlest Pet Shops" this friend has been there for it all!

Carley and I met through classes and later became apartment-mates at Biola and house-mates during my time in Long Beach. Carley is a friend I know I could call any time of day and would pick up the phone. She has even been there as my personal nurse when I had a slip up in the kitchen (story for another time). This one is never off duty!

Mariah and I also met early in my time at Biola and have shared livings spaces several times since. Some of our best memories have been on the trips that Mariah has so expertly planned for her, Carley and myself over our spring breaks. Costa Rica? Barcelona? Chicago? You name it, this girl will plan it!

Kelsey and I first bonded over tennis — after our first match I decided she was better and we should probably just be roommates. We lived together for two years at Biola and have made countless sweet memories since. I always love any excuse to visit Portland or Washington, D.C., to see this one.

Diana and I met at my first job out of college. We bonded quickly over shared experiences and a similar sense of humor. Over the years, I have been lucky to be the recipient of Diana's restaurant worthy cooking. More-so, I am lucky to call this lovely human one of my closest friends!

Alex was my roommate for years upon years and my first civil union (we didn't actually claim it on our taxes). Alex has been an amazing friend, fellow Badger football travel partner, and probably the best cross-country skier ever to grace this planet.

Andy and I met freshman year in Kronshage, and quickly bonded over the Green Bay Packers, random 2000s Brewer Players, and knowledge of the best church songs known to man. Andy and I lived together the rest of college and have been close ever since! Andy will most likely be leading the charge on the dance floor.

I met Jon my freshman year of college and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s my go-to for Bucks updates and the perfect partner to share a fine pilsner with (ice cold Miller Lite). Jon is also the greatest board-game teacher I know.

Liam and I connected through his wife, Beth, after college graduation through trivia nights. I can always rely on Liam to shoot a round of golf with, and to have the highest optimism for the Bears every off-season. Liam is my go-to for any new good TV shows.

Alex is the first legally binding brother I have ever had, and I am grateful he met my sister. A fellow (and much better) trombone player, cross-country skier, band nerd, and Wii-Resort Basketball fan. Alex has been the perfect addition to our family and has become a close friend.

Leo was one of my first friends I met at UW-Madison, as we both moved in early to try out for the marching band. Leo and I have many incredible experiences together with the marching band, from multiple Rose Bowls, a road trip to Dallas for the Final Four, and playing the lions sleeps tonight solos at the Final Four and national championship in Indy with the band.

Heidi is my older, wiser, and more successful sister. Despite already having a mom, Heidi insisted on mothering me throughout my childhood, which was probably for the best. In adulthood, Heidi has become a close friend and my biggest supporter!

Sarah is my younger sister—outgoing, quick-witted, and unintentionally the life of the party. We bonded as kids racing bikes down the driveway, playing Annie Annie Over, and competing at monster ball. We share the same offbeat sense of humor, and she has a lifelong knack for turning ordinary days into a comedy show. We have stayed incredibly close into adulthood!