Amy, aka Jigga, and I have been friends since our time at Pups (preschool in Elmwood). Our dads worked together at Cilco so we couldn't get away with much as kids. Amy and I both loved to sing so we would compete in solo-ensemble in high school. We also had a tendency to procrastinate so we learned a song in the parking lot prior to performing and still managed to get 1st place! Amy was such a huge support when I was pregnant with Alex and even held up my leg while delivering him! She even bought me KFC after delivery since I hadn't eaten in 24 hours.

Kristi, aka Big Bird, and I met in our early 20s when I lived in Bloomington. We both loved karaoke and used to DJ for rival companies. Kristi and our cast of characters from the B-town crew could be found at Kegler's Pub doing karaoke or going on adventures in my old Mitsubishi Lancer, such as ghost hunting or ending up in Indiana coming back from Six Flags Great America (in my defense that was prior to GPS).

Jessica, aka Yoda, and I were introduced by her mom who was my English and Drama teacher in high school. Her mom may have regretted introducing us as I was a lot more outgoing and crazy compared to her daughter. Jessica and I stayed in touch despite her moving to Indiana and Missouri and we have deemed our oldest children betrothed to each other. I was also in Jessica's wedding party and knocked down one of her bridesmaids to catch the bouquet (which I did).

Anthony Jr. or AJ, is Anthony's 15 year old son. AJ is a real animal lover as seen in this picture with our cat, Nightwing. Nightwing is an old crotchety puss but when AJ walks in, Nightwing runs right up to him and starts meowing for him to pick him up. AJ is very quiet and self reserved but can occasionally come out of his shell as we witnessed on our recent trip to the Grand Canyon. AJ was in his element exploring while we were hiking on a wagon trail.

Tyler, also known as Ty Ty, is his father's mini-me. He walks like him, talks like him, and, unfortunately at times, acts like him. Ty Ty is very funny, outgoing, and smart. The first time I met Tyler, I immediately thought he was an old soul. Despite their age difference—Tyler being five years younger than Alex—the two connected the first night they met. It's a little scary at times with the shenanigans these two get into.

Stephanie (aka Steffy) and Jill became fast friends at work. I was new to the department and Steffy made me feel right at home. Stef and her husband Ed have 3 daughters, Jazzmin, McKenna, and Victoria. We didn't realize it until months later into our friendship, but our paths had crossed before as Victoria and Alex both were in the same class at Northmoor Primary. Stef is the life of the party and she will bring the fun to the reception!

Ed and Anthony quickly became fast friends, just like his wife Stephanie and Jill did. Ed and Anthony share a love for tattoos, guns, and all things 'MERICA. The couples enjoy game nights and attending live music events together. Ed is the Regional Manager for OSHA and definitely does NOT approve of the sometimes sketchy work we do at our house.

Tom and Anthony have been best friends since fifth grade at Peoria Heights. Over the years, life has taken them in different directions at times, but they’ve always found their way back to each other. Tom and his fiancée, Emily, have a daughter, Madison, who is a fearless daredevil—she especially loves riding on the "clown cart" and swinging on the tire swing. Tom played a big role in Anthony’s life, even standing as the best man at his wedding to Jenny (the boys’ mom). This time around, though, he’s been politely asked to avoid repeating his infamous best man speech—ha!