Every now and then, some of our family or friends from Minnesota brave the trip through Iowa and come visit us! Since we live about 7 hours away (and did I mentioned the trip through Iowa?), this is always a treat - and we LOVE hosting. :)

Last weekend Sunil's sister, Sonia, and her husband Joel took a weekend off and braved Iowa to come explore Kansas City (and maybe stop by for a visit...). :)

We have a few things we love to do with people when they come visit: 

1. Union Station! It's the BEST free place to go in downtown Kansas City and one of the most beautiful buildings around. 

2. Frolfing! Frisbee golfing is HUGE down here (there are quite a few professional courses), and it's a great way to get some exercise. 

3. Barbecue! Oklahoma Joe's is hands down THE BEST. (And I will use every excuse I can think of to make Sunil take me there.) End of story. :)

Well, Joel and Sonia were going to explore downtown, and they'd already had Okie Joe's, so we went frolfing of course! And I got distracted by the lovely flowers. (SPRING IS HERE!!) :)

My favorite thing about Joel and Sonia is that they spread laughter everywhere they go. They both love to have a good time and they have the most contagious giggles. :)

These two have been best of friends since the middle of high school... it's crazy to think that they've known each other for about 10 years! 

So cute!! :)

Joel and Sonia, thanks so much for coming to visit us! We loved having you! :)

Today is a a pretty awesome day to celebrate - my mother was born 60 years ago! Happy birthday, mom! :)

Now, for those of you that have never met my mother, there are a few things you need to know. Unfortunately, I don't have time for all of my favorite things about my mom, but here are just a few: 

1. She is beautiful. Let me tell you, my mom makes aging look easy. The smile wrinkles on her face? She's earned every single one. And because of my parents' incredibly healthy lifestyle, she looks absolutely radiant every single day. Someday when I have five kids and ten grandchildren, I hope I look as amazing as she does. 

2. She is resilient. When your husband is suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer, life gets REAL. Yet through all the stress, anxiety, unknowns, and what-ifs, my mom's strength and faith in God has never wavered. Her quiet spirit and inner peace has helped lead my family through some really dark times, and I'm so so thankful for her. 

3. She is a legacy. Like most women my age, the older I get the more I act like my mother! But unlike some women, I absolutely love it. When people tell me how much I look or act just like my mom, it truly is a HUGE compliment (duh - did I mention she's beautiful?). My mother is productive, compassionate, self-less, generous, protective, and so so strong! The legacy that she leaves for her children and grandchildren is a lovely one and I'm so so proud to call her my mother. 

And I know I show these photos of my parents ALL the time... but I just adore how lovely, fresh and young my mom looks. :) 

Happy 60th birthday, mom!! I hope you have such a beautiful day - love you so much! :)