our story

It all started, at least for me, back in 2006 as freshmen in Provo (first round).  My best friend, Kelly, lived with Jessica.  Jessica was one of Ashton's good friends from Colorado.  Obviously, I spent a good amount of time there and so did he.  I am sure we were introduced at least once.  He mostly watched Jazz games and didn't say much, but I do remember thinking he was pretty cute.  It was his smile.  He doesn't remember this, which is fine by me because my freshman year wasn't my most attractive year.

our first picture together (1/03/13)

Then in 2009 (second round), Kelsey moved up to Utah to attend BYU Salt Lake Center.  Guess who she met there?  Ashton.  And his friend Carson.  She hung out a lot with them and suggested that I meet them.  So one night we got together.  I was under the impression that we were going on a double date until one of Kelsey's then want-to-be-boyfriends showed up at our bonfire.  It was a night that will never be forgotten, but it didn't give Ashton and I a chance to really get to know each other.  To my surprise, he asked me out after that.  I thought it went well, but I didn't hear from him again.  Kelsey told me he had gotten a girlfriend.  It hurt my heart a little, but I did my thing and over the next three years dated my share of boys.

when he proposed - notice the chick-fil-a (3/09/13)

Somewhere in there we chatted maybe once or twice.  I tried to get him to come to a haunted house with me.  He doesn't like those.  Plus, by now he was back up in Centerville and I was still in Provo.

The real magic happened on November 30, 2012 (third round).  I went to the Festival of Trees with Cami and some friends.  I really went to see a tree that had been decorated for Porter and a few other cancer patients, that was the real drive behind me going.  We spent at least 30 minutes at the end watching different dance teams and it is a good thing we did, because as we were leaving, I saw Ashton.  He saw me.  I didn't know if he would remember me.  But, he did and he said my name.  We talked for a little bit and he mentioned that he no longer had my phone number.  So of course, I texted him and we decided it was time to hang out.

taking care of me and fixing my window

Our second first date was December 5, 2012.  Everything fell into place after that.
On January 14th, he asked me to be his girlfriend.  And of course I said yes!
By Super Bowl Sunday (February 3rd), Ashton asked me about my feelings on relocating/hinted to the possibility of us getting married.  That is when I knew we would.
We decided that we loved each other on March 3rd (though I knew long before that).
He proposed to me on March 9th.

We get married on May 24th.
My last day of teaching is May 30th.
May 31st, we set off for a year of adventure in Minnesota.

Random facts:

- During the summer of 2010, we literally lived across the street from each other in Provo and had no idea.

- His smile makes me melt.  Always has and always will.
- He loves sports more than me - something I was starting to give up finding in a man.
- I just checked our facebook conversations...once he called me "my friend".  Wow.
- He laughs more than anyone I have ever met before.
- Chick-fil-A has been a part of our relationship.

to my best best friend

Aubrey turns 25 today!  That's sort of a big deal.

I had a thought that went something like this earlier this week: I get married in 15 days. I am so excited to marry Ashton, but one of the greatest perks of a wedding is knowing that I get to see all my favorite people.  Aubrey will be there and that is the frosting on my wedding cake (if that makes any sense).  I couldn't imagine my big day without this girl next to me.  Prepping for the wedding and our big move has made me more nostalgic than normal (surprising right?) and as I think back on the last few years, Aubrey has been there every single step of the way - even though she has lived across the country from me for nearly three years now.  I love her more than a best friend.  I love her like my sister.  She is someone that I will keep in my life.  I am telling her right now that she has to marry a man who will be best friends with Ashton, because I can guarantee our fun adventures and trips are not going to stop now.

I went through my past Aubrey birthday posts, all of them covered in pictures of all the fun things we have done.   24th birthday.  23rd birthday.

So here are some pictures that:

1. Hopefully you haven't seen before on my blog

2. Show you why I love Aubrey 

3. Prove why she is my best best friend and the greatest at that.

This is just proof that we have been friends since the dorm days.  (And that the freshman 15 did me no good)

I remember the first time I came home and found her in my bed.  It was a little bit of a surprise, but it's definitely a surprise I miss.

Who doesn't watch basketball like this with their best friend?

How could you NOT want to be best friends with this?! Classic.

She brings out my "cute aggression" and loves me even when my bangs are terrible!

She wears a pink super suit..."Honey, where is my super suit?"

um...once I skated over her finger.  I still feel really bad about it...like really bad. But she has forgiven me and only brings it up once in awhile.

She loves to dance!  And has some great signature dance moves.

This is how we studied. Makes me miss study sessions in the HBLL with my best friend.

When we are excited, we tend to hold hands.  Precious right?

She is a master at Cheernastics.  I mean, she can even keep a pretty face while doing it!  That is talent.

That was pretty cool.  And not super smart.  But a good picture.

My first time to New York, I was greeted with her smiling face, posters, and balloons.  Coolest, most thoughtful best friend.

She has a pretty sweet job.

She has a wonderful heart and I love when she visits me and my classroom. 

Annual "boy trips" to support some cougar football.

It's always a good time.

I am pretty sure you must be jealous that she is my best friend by now.

Aubrey.  If I haven't told you enough, I am so grateful to have you in my life!  Happy 25th birthday!
I will see you in less than TWO WEEKS!!!