Sibling Shout Out

I love my siblings! I have been apart from them for wayyyy too long but it’s ok because we’ll be reunited before I even know it. I’ve been thinking about them a ton lately and hope they’re doing well back in the U.S. of A. Here’s a shout out to each of them!

Carly—22 years old and having the adventure of a lifetime in Florida with her husband Jared. I’ve always looked up to her so much. It was so hard on me when they moved to Florida but I know that it was the next step for them. She is so strong, beautiful, and confident. I’m so grateful that we have such a close relationship. She’s helped me through some of the toughest times! She has also been such a good support for me while I’ve been in Jeru. We love emailing each other! Basically I love this girl and can’t wait to see her in December when they fly home for the holidays. Fun fact: her wedding day was one of the best days of my life—and it wasn’t even my own wedding! Jared is so good to her and their marriage is such an example to me—I want to have a relationship like theirs!

Helping me move into Helaman Halls

Carly's wedding day

Aly/Alysse/my other half—17 years old and tearing it up on the volleyball courts. We have always been besties but have grown especially close during the last few years. I miss laughing so hard and being a goofball with her. We have done some crazy things together! We especially bonded over the Olympics this summer... we loved the USA swimming and gymnastics team! She is 6’3” and totally owns her height. She can pull off some serious heels! Too bad that every guy her age is intimidated by her height and beauty…I keep reminding her that college is SOOOO much better. She’ll start applying for colleges soon and I really hope she’ll go to BYU so we can be roommates after her freshman year! BYU volleyball recruiters have been keeping their eye on her so we’ll see what happens.

Awko-taco

gangtas and sistas for life!

Lauren-- 14 years old, in 9^th grade, and is basically a super model! We are super close and I have been thinking about her a ton while I’ve been in Jerusalem. I remember being her age—those can be some rough times. I know that she is so strong and confident though and she’ll be just fine! She is a champ at soccer, gymnastics, dancing around, and being beautiful! I love her so much because she is always laughing or smiling. I am so lucky because I got to be her Girls Camp counselor this summer at Brighton Camp! I can’t wait to have some more late night chats with this girl when I get back!

Cowgirl sisters :)

Oh Le Lannee..

Jace—9 years old. What a stud! We love having this little man in the house. I miss watching him do tricks on the tramp and being a crazy boy with all his cute friends (he’s about a head taller than all of them!). He is super sporty and loves playing outside. Jace and I love wrestling and messing around with each other. I can totally see him playing volleyball for BYU in about 10 years! He’s an all-star but he also has such a loving heart. I’ve gotta say that one of the best surprises I’ve received as of recently was opening up Photobooth on my MacBook and seeing that he had sneakily taken three pictures that signed out “I love you.” It made my day! I love my lil bro :) 

What a stud!

One of my all-time favorites!

Here's some fun pictures of the Stephenson kids throughout the years:

Some things never change...

The happy children at Disneyland Paris

Easter 2004

St. George 2006

Hawaii 2008

St. George 2010

St. George 2012

I’m so glad that I get to be with these best friends in a few months but that I also get to be with them for ETERNITY!! <3