Family friends

Dustin is more than a friend. She's family. So, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to see her. The kids get along so well - partially fueled by Dustin's generous supply of treats and cupcakes that looked too good to eat. They had a blast at the neighborhood water park, and later at a BBQ at Dustin's. She prepared her famous "Huli-huli chicken" (the same she cooked for Ryan's baby shower). When I look at Kendal and Kylie, I can't help but see a little Dustin and a little Laurie. Chase is all girl. She proudly paraded in her princess dress, quizzically observing Ryan hitting bubbles with a baseball bat. Ryan is all boy. And that leaves Jordan. Dustin flew out to Salt Lake City when Jordan was first born. She helped me with his first (and only) scrapbook, and is known as "Auntie" to my kids. She has been involved in every major event in my life, and that makes her a friend and family (the best of both worlds).