Shalyce and I became sisters this past year and even though they live in Ogden now, we are closer than ever. I’ve always wanted to hike Flag Rock in our town and knowing that it would be a hard hike for the kids, doing it on the morning of my birthday with Shalyce was the perfect time to do it.

The funniest thing happened when we reached the summit. I yelled out, “39 and thriving!” Shalyce quickly reminded me that I was only turning 38. Maybe the fact that this year has been so challenging I feel like I aged 2 years. Haha. Needless to say, she gave me the best gift- an extra year.

It was the best start to my birthday. I came back to homemade acai bowls that Brandon prepared and a clean house. I felt so refreshed and blessed.