February 28

Today is someone special's birthday!!!  And so, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you all about my other amazing sister-in-law, Carrie.

I met Carrie when I was just 12 years old- she and my brother Shane started dating their first weekend in college.  I didn't see her really often for the next few years, as she and Shane went to school in Springfield, but I do remember her making special efforts to make sure I was included when they would visit.  I remember spending the night at her apartment when I was 15, just getting to bond, always having someone to turn to for advice.  I remember spending weekends with her and Shane at her parents house, going out on their boat, having a blast tubing and water skiing.

When I was 17, Shane made the best decision of his life, and asked Carried to be his wife.  Their wedding in Florida was so beautiful and fun, and my first experience being a bridesmaid.  I was so excited to welcome Carrie to our family and have a wonderful big sister!  I can still remember a night or two before the wedding, Carrie and I went looking for seashells to use for the reception and just talked for hours.  I am so blessed to have two sister-in-laws who are not only family, but also close friends.

When I graduated from high school a year later, my favorite graduation gift was from them and Cory and Kristina- a trip to Florida for a week.  My bff Jessica and I had an amazing week staying with them, hanging out on the beach, relaxing at their home, and trying new things (sushi for the first time!).

I was a freshman in college when I heard I was going to be an auntie for the first time.  I was so excited for Carrie and Shane (and myself), and even from far away, Carrie made sure to include all of us in that exciting time- pictures, ultrasounds, and weekly emails about progress.  And, to make sure we were all able to be a part of their growing family, they made the decision to leave the home they loved in Florida and move back to Missouri.

So many great memories have been made since then.  Carrie was also a bridesmaid in my wedding to Blake and I was so thankful for her support and love during planning and on that day.  Carrie and Shane made me an auntie again, and I spent hours on the phone with Carrie looking at baby bedding online:)  We've gotten to spend weekends at Carrie and Shane's house, I've road tripped down to Texas with her and Madera (singing Disney songs at the top of our lungs the whole way down) and here recently, we traveled to Colorado for an amazing ski vacation.

Carrie, I have known you for over half my life, and I love that we have become closer every year.  As I've grown up I've been grateful to have such a wonderful example from which to learn.  For almost eight years I have been so happy to call you my sister, but I'm even more thankful to be able to call you my friend.

Happy Birthday Carrie.  I love you.