Happy, Happy Birthday Kendall Dear

This is my absolute favorite photo taken of me and Kendall, ever.

My brother Kendall and I have lived in the same house for exactly one summer of our lives.

My mom learned she was pregnant with me the day my oldest brother came home from his mission, which means Kendall and I are no fewer than twenty-two years apart. It also means my mother had a very emotional day in June of 1987 (because she was so happy, obviously).

Despite our age difference, Kendall has always treated me like a sister. Not a niece, not a daughter, but a sister. That's always meant a lot to me.

My mom found this gem for me. I'm the oblivious child in the front with Kendall,
his wife Roxanne, and our sister-in-law Becky. Judging by the door, it was Christmastime.

I've said before that Kendall is the perfect oldest for our family. He is level-headed and humble and kind. He works hard without taking himself too seriously. He is one of the funniest people you will ever meet.

Ryan's aunt asked me at my bridal shower if I was related to Kendall Bennett. She told me he had been one of the cool athletes in high school and was always very kind to her, which she had always appreciated. More than twenty years later, Kendall's kindness still touched her. He just has that effect on people.

Kendall back in the '90s.

I know he had that effect on me. I remember particularly when I was fourteen years old and considering getting colored contacts. My eyes are an odd mashup of blues, greens and grays with a hint of yellow in the center, and it bothered me that I couldn't define their color. I had looked at colored contacts at my last optometrist appointment, wondering which color I might choose.

Kendall didn't know anything about this. But one day we sat down to eat at Wendy's and Kendall said, "Bre, did you know you have a really pretty eye color? I've never seen eyes like yours before."

Because of that, I haven't worn colored contacts a day of my life.

The day his oldest son, Devin, came home from his mission. Just this September.

So happy birthday to my oldest brother—the kindest, sweetest, funniest big brother a girl could ask for. I hope you have a smashing day.