When Harrison told us about the blog, Hannah and I were excited to share some thoughts and memories about you for your birthday. I'll start with the memories:
My earliest memory of you was seeing your wedding announcement as you were the girl getting married to my recently-departed senior companion. I remember thinking you must be a special person to end up with Harrison and that thought was confirmed as I got to know you over the next few years. When I first met you in person, you and Harrison had me over for dinner to have a dish I now affectionately call "Smith tacos". Dinner was fantastic that night (as usual at your house) and we followed up the tacos with watching Planet Earth and playing Pass the Pigs. This pattern of dinner, movies, and games pretty much sums up the highlights of living in Provo for me. I frequently wish we could go back to the days where we'd hang out with you guys with Jack in his crib, the windows or door open to let in cool air, with games, dinner, and movies. Having you guys live a block away was the best! One of the best parts of playing games with you guys was watching Harrison get you riled up while playing Mario Bros, Wii Sports, Settlers of Catan, Family Feud, etc. as your competitive side shined through.
As much as I will always cherish those Provo memories I am even more appreciative of the type of friend you are for Hannah. I don't know anyone who is a better friend. Out of all the different wards and groups of friends we have had I can honestly say you are the best friend a person could ask for. You made Hannah feel so comfortable over at your house and she would've happily hung out with you and Jack all day, every day. I know that even now she tells me when she talks with you on the phone or Skype she feels so comfortable with you. I think that is the mark of a truly good friend and I'm so glad Hannah has that special friend in you. Even though we live so far away now, we still feel a special friendship with you and I know we always will.
Thanks for being such a great friend and for all of those fun memories. Happy birthday!
-Ben
