Megan is Lauren's cousin. Megan has been like a big sister to Lauren from the very beginning. Even though Megan was and is busy she always made/makes time for Lauren with their special "date days." Over the years, these "date days" have taken different shapes: going to the mall, going out for lunch, ring browsing, wine tastings, to movies at home with wine and ham and cheese roll-ups. Megan is one of Lauren's most valued role models. Besides always being fascinated with her sense of style, more importantly Lauren has always admired the kind of person Megan guienuely is. If you have met her there is no doubt you know what Lauren is referring to; she charismatically warms a room and brings joy, love, and laughter with her as it trickles into the others around her.

As a kid Lauren joked, that God made them family, and gave them both red hair, but he couldn't actually make them sisters, because it might make people jealous. Now as an adult, Lauren might still feel the same way...

Mike and Kyle first met in middle school at Orland Junior High. After going to different high schools, Kyle to Sandburg and Mike to Marist, they reconnected before starting college. The rest is history. The two remained roommates for the next four years. With both of them as pre-medical students they went on to join Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity on U of I's campus, where they were voted "Bromance" of the year.

Kim and Lauren met at Bradley University; both were in ESA and also elementary education majors with concentrations in math. Kim and Lauren became best friends through the countless hours of doing insanely hard math homework each week together, and watching Grey's Anatomy. Both those situations left the girls not knowing whether to laugh, cry, pour a glass of wine or all of the above. Now the hard math is gone and in it's place is just the full on teacher world, and Grey's Anatomy is still there, along with the emotions, and the wine!
Lauren values Kim as a friend, because Kim is a kind, thoughtful and caring person. She is understanding when Lauren's idea of "on time" is 5 minutes late and Kim's idea of "on time" is 10 minutes early. Once the two of them are together, regardless of the what the actual "start time" is, they have fun!

Sean was like Kyle's big brother he never had. The two of them did everything together from building bike ramps in the driveway to traveling across the country on family vacations. Even after years away at different colleges, every time they come together it's like nothing's changed. Sean is the guy you call when you want to have a fun time. Kyle's lucky to have a friend like him.

Anne and Lauren met through ESA at a sisterhood retreat. Lauren was a sophomore and Anne was a freshman. Lauren was on the ESA sisterhood exc board at the time and was responsible for matching bigs with their littles. At the event Lauren and Anne made a connection, so Lauren did the most logical thing and paired them as big and little. Then just like that, one of the most amazing ESA families was born. Lauren admires Anne for her big heart and her laid back soul. Lauren seriously is in awe of Anne's chillness and has been subconsciously taking notes since the two of them met in 2013.

Jack and Kyle grew up on the same block and have known each other since grade school. Growing up they were inseparable and spent everyday outside playing ball and jumping their bikes off ramps. Jack is the definition of a true friend. In good times and bad, he's always there when you need him, with his charismatic personality shining through.

Lauren met Anna at Bradley through their service sorority, ESA. Remember that amazing ESA family that was born when Lauren and Anne became Big/Little? Well Anna is Anne's little! Lauren was studying aboard when Anna joined the ESA family, but Anne kept her updated during the whole process. "They were picking another good one for the family." And pick a good one they did! Lauren admires Anna for her joy and positivity. Anna has a presence about her that fills a room with a special brightness. Lauren loves how Anna is able to bring fun and optimism to every and any situation. Anna is Lauren's connect to the younger generation, with keeping her up to date with the latest Tiktok trends that her students might be up to, so Lauren can remain the "young-cool" teacher for as long as possible.

Anthony and Kyle went to grade school together and played on the same baseball team as kids. Their friendship continued into high school where they both played in the band. Finally, they both went to U of I together. Anthony is a thoughtful and outgoing friend and someone you want on your team.

Noel and Lauren met at Carl Sandburg High School, through the band program there. Lauren and Noel both joined marching band and were in the drumline and percussion ensamble together. It didn't take long for the two of them to realize they were both wacky and weird. Put the two of them together and you can guarantee there will be laughs. Lauren values Noel for her true friendship; the two of them have seen each other through many different parts of life and they always know how to be there for each other. Currently Noel lives in Nashville, and even though they don't see each other often, they still have a strong bond and when they do spend time together its like the space is nonexistent.

Kyle first met Mark when he was dating Lauren in high school. They also played on the drumline together and have grown to be like family over the years. Mark is a free-spirit whose creativity always shines through. He's the type of guy you call when you have car questions or need help building something. Kyle's excited to be able to call him his future brother-in-law.

Amanda is Kyle's sister. Lauren and Amanda have become more and more like family over the years of Lauren dating Kyle. Lauren enjoys spending time with Amanda even if the time together is limited due to busy schedules. With Amanda's background in social work, Kyle's in the medical field and Lauren's in education and her high interesting in school psychology; put the three of them together and they can "talk shop" forever. Lauren is looking forward to "officially" calling Amanda her sister-in-law.

Tim is Kyle's brother-in-law. They first met when Tim began dating Amanda over ten years ago. Being a few years older than Kyle, he always looked up to Tim as a role model. Tim is a loving father to his two kids and can answer all your movie and music related questions.

Neala is the beautiful daughter of Lauren's cousin Megan and her husband Greg. Lauren and Kyle admire Neala's charm and charisma. This girl has the sweet talk and the moves. Wait till you see her walk down the aisle! One of Lauren's favorite Neala memories is when Neala was born, Lauren was so excited to meet her that she actually went to the wrong hospital. The hospital staff thought Lauren was a little cooky, but before it got too weird Lauren called Megan, and Megan calmly explained to Lauren that they were at a different hospital. In the end Lauren got to meet the new family addition and has adored Neala ever since.

We asked Neala what love is or what does it mean to love someone. Click the link below to see what she has to say about that.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19SGfxjfVcH9ahXCgIM5R7RChEKs-clGd/view?usp=sharing

Parker is Kyle's nephew; he is the handsome son of Kyle's sister Amanda and her husband Tim. Parker is a ball of spunk, curiosity, and laughter. Lauren and Kyle love spending time with Parker being silly, laughing and embracing curiosity. Parker is always up for a never ending game of hide and seek or a Gummy Bear dance party.

We asked Parker what love is or what does it mean to love someone. He told us, "when you love someone you give them a kiss and a hug."

Emma is Kyle's niece, Parker's sister and Amanda and Tim's daughter. Emma's personality is starting to shine through more as the days go by. Emma enjoys investigating her surroundings, picking up things that she finds on her adventures and bringing them to another family member. Lauren and Kyle are excited to watch Emma grow up and see more of what she has in store for the world.

Finn is Lauren's Godson, Neala's little brother, and Megan and Greg's son. This little Irishman is developing his charm a little more each day. Finn is a sweet, calm and snuggly little dude. Lauren enjoys every moment she has with her Godson. Lauren and Kyle are excited to watch Finn grow up and take on the world one step at a time.