Hello perfect yard,

I know things have changed a bit over the years and I don’t see you nearly as often as I wish I could. I just wanted to thank you for giving me the kind of childhood some could only dream about. Although I’ll never get to be a character from the book "Little House on the Prairie", my dreams came rather close.

I remember the younger years of mini-biking, four wheeling, and snowmobiling around the endless trails that friends would later get lost in. You provided land for a childhood filled with tree fort building and hide n’ seek prime spots.

As years passed and adolescence turned to teenage fun, you just got better. My friends still talk about the perfect Friday nights where you provided a safe place. I am blessed to have gotten the opportunity to be too occupied and not gotten involved with alternative activities. Instead of boozing it up and having a blurred kind of fun, my friends and I got to have raw, quality times.

From first kisses to truth-or-dares, time spent allowed for us all to grow up the way we needed to. I cannot even pick my favorite hang out place on our property because every nook and cranny provided something spectacular.

The barn gave space for nights that were too cold for outdoor activities. Patrick and Brendan would put on stand-up comedy skits and make everyone laugh until curfew.

The stable blocked the wind, but was still open enough for us to be scared during ghost stories. The stable roof was the perfect lounge where prank calls and hideouts took place.

The front yard allowed for fires, s’mores, and some quality H.O.R.S.E. basketball games. It also led to bruises from crab apple fights and tears from laughter of crashing the quad into the stonewall. (Sorry Kaylee)

The shed gave a home to the many animals that now are buried after the great life they were provided. Delilah still occupies the space and sings her whining donkey sounds to prove her dominance.

The birch tree grove was a campground, space for pow wows, and the spot of my desired homestead.

The bus stop was a hideout behind the Christmas tree farm and is now my future altar for the wedding I hope to have.

The pond provided canoe ride, wet sneakers, and mud for the perfect mud fights to end my birthday parties with.

The trails throughout the 15 acres created plenty of opportunities for bike routes, hiding places during man hunt, and trees to chop when everyone was feeling a little stressed.

The volleyball net created rivalries and competition and it's where I flirted with boys by beating them up.

It did not matter where we were or how we spent our time, every night with you allowed for the moments I’ll never forget. Thank you for making me want to come home and helping to create friendships that will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s not every child that gets to grow up in a fairy tale land, but I sure am grateful I got to make mistakes and grow where I did.

Forever and always,

Your favorite resident.