Not to be too sappy, but It's hard for me to put into words how much Tim means to me. He's probably the smartest guy I know, totally dedicated to whatever is important to him, and an awesome brand new papa. Tim's the guy you want around if your computer breaks down or if you want to indulge in some fine whiskey. We've had lots of great times hanging out together the last 34 years and have only been in a few fights (most of which I probably started). Even though he's my little brother, I still look up to him.

Hilary has been my sister through more than 30 years of ups and downs, fun times and fights, weird times and weirder times ;-) She's the person I can always count on to help plan a present or party or to know exactly which podcast to recommend at any given moment. We spent the majority of our childhood playing house outside at the hole, watching SNICK or TGIF or countless 80's movies illicitly recorded off of HBO onto VHS while jumping on the couch in the basement, and arguing about who gets to be the teacher during "school" (it was usually me). She's super creative, organized, and now a superb mother, and I can only hope to be like her when I grow up.

I met a young Billy Jackson when I was in the third grade and we moved to Belmont NH. I was ice fishing with my grandfather when Bill and his dog Shilo came running across the ice to say hi and invite me over to his house. We've been best friends ever since. Billy is the most generous, kind hearted guy I've ever met, and despite his unhealthy love of Jock Jams and commercial grade fireworks, I still love him like a second brother.

Nicole and I met on the first day of first grade, in the morning at the bus stop, experiencing the trauma of our first bus ride together. Perhaps that's what cemented our friendship, but I expect it was really the incalculable amount of time we spent together in the intervening years, the countless sleepovers, trips, bike rides, phone calls, and commitment to our friendship that has made ours last so long. I don't remember a time before I knew Nicole - she's been a second sister to me, one who forced me to like NSync against my will, is always up for a trip to literally anywhere, and seemed to never sleep when we were kids (I'm still not sure she does). Our 25th friendship anniversary was celebrated with a vacation in Florida and I know for a fact that our 50th will be, too.

Gina is the kind of friend I would wish everyone to have, if only it meant I wouldn't have to share her. We met way back in junior high, though we didn't really know it then. I like to say we met in 2003, at a pre-trip meeting for our forthcoming semester abroad in Italy. Gina walked in the room and, even though I'd only vaguely known her through high school, I was so happy to see her face. And even more to hear her laugh and hello! We were lucky enough to be thrown together during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, moreso than your average study abroad since we shared not only a room, but an uncooperative bed that we eventually just gave up on and referred to as the matrimonial. Even though we ended up marrying other people in the end, that semester and the following years of life and friendship have ensured we'll be friends for life. I never want to be on her no-smiles list.

Seanny and I were partners in crime from junior high school through our college careers. Sean would come over to my house pretty much every day after school and we would play catch with the football, listen to music, and ride our bikes all over the place. In the summer we would team up to stop crazy NASCAR fans from hurting themselves at the Weirs Beach Go Cart track. Sean has always had my back throughout the years, and I am very grateful for it.

Aaron and I met in junior high study hall and quickly bonded over our love of bad 90's music. Aaron is one of the funniest and most talented people I know. He can shred the guitar like nobody's business, is amazing at Nintendo games, and also knows a disgusting amount of Saved by the Bell trivia. We have been on some great adventures together and he has always made me laugh.

To say it's a privilege to know Betsy is really understating it. Betsy has traveled the world in ways that awe me, has succeeded professionally in ways that inspire me, and loves to laugh in ways that can't help but make me laugh. We met in college when she was an RA to some of my freshmen friends who she may or may not have had to kick out of the dorm. Somehow despite that, we became friends through some mutual friends and moved into an apartment together junior year. With a break abroad for both of us, we then moved into another place upon returning, living together for several years before she headed off on her round-the-world trip (leaving the door open for a certain boy to move in...). Though she left us for years to live elsewhere, I'm so thankful that our friendship remained strong - even moreso now that she's come back home. She's the person you want both to get into trouble with and to get you out of it, which is a unique quality, one I've really only ever found in Betsy. But she's a unique person, so it fits.

I first met Jonny "House of Fire" when I went over to the DeRosa's house a long time ago and young Jon was running around like a maniac trying to put his killer wrestling moves on anyone that dared to get in his way. I'm glad he spared my life back then because otherwise I wouldn't have had the pleasure to get to know how much of a great guy he is. We had lots of fun times at Plymouth State and only caused a minimal amount of damage to campus.

Sarah is the funniest person I know. That's what I think a lot of people would say about her, but what I want to emphasize is that she's also the smartest, the kindest, the most willing to help you with whatever you need. We met way back in 7th grade and I'm extremely lucky that she has stayed friends with me all these years. Even after she moved to Maine, where she's basically the mayor of her community, she has always been available and willing to lead me into trouble in the most enjoyable way possible. She's so smart and so creative and is my dream teammate for the World Series of Pop Culture. I'd follow Sarah anywhere because if I don't, I know I'll regret it.

Holly is the most dedicated and devoted friend you could want. She's independent and interesting, full of good advice for your garden, your pantry, and your life, and it's on you (or me) if you don't listen. When she wants to do something, she does it, whether that's being a library trustee, getting married, or having a baby. She's remarkable in that way and I wish I could be more like her in lots of ways. Holly's the first person to congratulate you or thank you or offer you seeds or her husband's skills. She's generous and kind and smart and thoughtful and knowing her, and especially being her friend, these last 7 years has been a real honor.

I've known Jeff since we were kids and although he has become my fantasy sports nemesis, I love him just the same. Jeff is just a straight up fun person to be around. He gets the party started and keeps it going. He's dependable, personable, and would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. He is a Legend of the Red Dragon master, and I couldn't have asked for a better partner in our annual DeRosa/Foss Brothers golf tournament. (This is our year Jeff!)