My cousin Kayla… I used to look after her when she was really little. And the thing that stood out to me the most, even back then, was how brave she was. She would fearlessly jump off of things. She was a little fireball of happy energy. And really, nothing has changed. This girl knows how to live a full life. When she’s not working as an ER nurse, she’s fighting forest fires or giving her time and expertise to Search and Rescue. Or she’s traveling to far away countries to help the most vulnerable. Basically, she handles everyone else’s catastrophes. Last year, when she suffered a major health setback (due to a tree falling on her) she decided that she needed a goal to get her through this difficult time.. her plan was to climb Mount Kilimanjaro by year’s end. And she did it! But she didn’t do it alone.. in fact, she doesn’t do most of these things alone. Right by her side is this amazing guy, who works alongside her, and climbs up mountains with her and understands her better than almost anyone… and probably makes her laugh… I know he makes me laugh! In fact, I couldn’t stop laughing through this entire photo session! These two have something ultra special. And I couldn’t be happier for both of them.. for finding each other and building a crazy adventurous life together. Oh, the stories they will tell their grandkids. Congratulations, Kayla and Mark, on your engagement. You awe and inspire me to reach for the things I really want… even the scary things. Much love to you both. xo