I am not exactly sure when they moved into my neighborhood but I have memories with them back when I was about 10 years old or so.
I have spent countless hours up at their home. I have been John Smith, gotten married, played American girl dolls, cooked a meal for Erin, and made up epic songs with their family. (By the way I didn't really get married at their house we just always made up plays). I even helped Madi decorate her first bedroom all to herself. We painted little house things and they were adorable to say the least!
I have sat on their tramp when Madi and Ali were just little kids and discussed the fatness of their cheeks with another neighbor girl.
I held Sydney when she was as small as Kate and watched her SLOWLY but surely grow (not very tall might I add, but what Blake is).
I have gone over to their house in the UGLIEST of Christmas sweaters.
I have gone over to their house COUNTLESS times and made Erin listen to my petty teenage problems, like "boyfriends with dark pasts".
I have seen great fear in Erin's eyes when she TRULY believed another one of my young women leaders was going to go streaking with me and my ward friends at girls camp.
I have even been yelled at by Spencer when he was probably 13 because Madi and I were being too loud while he was watching Everybody Loves Raymond.
I have about A MILLION pictures on their photobooth!
I have consumed a disgustingly large amount of popsicles at their house.
I have spent so many summer nights with them playing night games its not even funny!
I have watched Erin laugh her brains out at a music video Angie and I made. We were so happy cause she was the only person who seemed to think it was funny.
I am pretty sure I have seen every single on of their kids melt down about something.
I have caught their dog running down my street three times in one week.
I have broken into their house while they were on vacation to make a barbie movie with Lauren Nickl.
I made friends with boys from South Africa at their house while they stayed with there for a singing group. One of those boys I married ;)
I don't think I have ever gone to their house and not stayed for at least an hour. "Running in" is not really a term that is used when I go to the Blakes.
I have considered their home a sanctuary since I was a kid.
I said goodbye to them once when they moved to Australia for six months and last Sunday I had to do it again but this time it is for much longer. The AMAZING Blake family just moved to California where they will become unforgettable (like the song). They have been such a great influence on my life for so long and I honestly can't believe they are gone. You should have seen the tears that were shed when they left! I can't thank them enough for all they have done for me. I am going to miss them TERRIBLY!
Here they are...
I love you guys!!!
