As Thanksgiving week is among us, I have been doing the typical Thanksgiving thing of reflecting; reflecting mostly on the things that I am thankful for, but that I don't express my gratitude for enough.

So, this one is for you. The brother who unexpectedly became my best friend and who I will always be grateful for, beyond words measures.

We don't talk every day. Sometimes, we go weeks without talking, but time means nothing when we have become as close as we have.

If you would have told middle -school Hallie, who wanted nothing more than to be as "cool" as her high-school brother, that we would one day grow so close, close enough to be considered one another's best friend, I would have laughed in your face. But look at where we are now. Two siblings who still argue, but who always end our argument in laughter.

I think it was my Freshman year of high-school that we began to truly grow close. With five years between us, you were out of school and you had already experienced everything that I would soon embrace. We began to be more transparent with one another; I was there when you were going through hard times and you were there for me. I remember so many upperclassmen already knowing who I was and any time someone would mention you to me, it went something like this: "You're Tyler Hayes' sister, that football player. Didn't he win like, most attractive his senior year?"

I probably cracked some type of joke anytime that I heard that, but what I really wanted to say was: "Yes, he was, but he is so much more than that."

It's funny because we are so much more alike than we ever would have expected. You were the shy one (though you're not really shy) and I was always the out-going, conversation holder. But together, we are just brother and sister who have so much in common.

You are the reason for my Star Wars obsession, we never miss a Marvel or DC movie together and we love scaring people a little too much; horror is basically our second language. You can't put us in a room together without a storm of laughter following. I would grow to love your endless need for new action figures and you would grow to love my loud rock music and obsession with tattoos, even if you still don't admit it.

There is nobody that I would rather make midnight runs to Walmart with to look at action figures, or constantly record at drive-thru windows because I know you're going to screw up.

For two people who argued probably more than most siblings growing up, we have come such a long way.

I remember once when I was younger, you walked in on me singing a song that I had written. I was a horrible singer, but you told me that I should write songs for people; that I was a good writer. You probably don't even remember that, but I always did. Little do you know, that was the first instance that I realized I loved writing, and look at where I am now. I'll always be thankful for that moment.

We've been through so much; from the van "wreck" that one time on the way to Warped Tour (sorry, mom, I still don't think you know about this) that I still laugh at every time I think of, to me acting as if I can actually drive like The Fast and The Furious. We always make situations fun. Side note: the van wreck was not a serious situation, you guys. It was actually funny.

I am always inspired by who you are. The way that you follow your dreams, even if it is action figure photography, and you do a dang good job at it, always encourages me to do what I love. You are the brother that I always had and the best friend that I never asked for but I am so thankful that I got.

I love you, Tyler, and thanks for being such an inspiration. Through all of the arguments, laughter and pranks, I couldn't ask for a better brother.

Now, when are we finally going to go race our cars? This RS isn't going to beat itself.