my best friend's wedding

Today is my best friend Lauren's birthday.

I've known Lauren (or lala, as I prefer to call her) since preschool. Just a few years after that, she moved into my neighborhood. I really can't remember a time in my life where lala wasn't in it. We've been through a lot together, she knows me better than most and still loves me :) Oh, and with her birthday being on April Fools? she's the queen of prankery. Remember in elementary school where you'd bring a treat on your birthday (that seems so backwards in retrospect) well I had Playdo donut holes and toothpaste oreos and 6 years of other birthday treats i've tried to forget about. I fell for it EVERY time!

Lala got married to the man of her dreams this past December. I was so honored to be a part of her special day and see her and Paul get sealed for eternity in the very same Temple Brandon and I did 6 months earlier. I was also thrilled to be a bridesmaid (first time ever!). She looked absolutely stunning....

although the day was FREEZING there was so much love going around that I felt warm.

the other two besties :)

my adorable parents

(everything about this picture i LOVE)

the siblings

the kimballs

hair to kill for...

Lala,

I love you so so much! I'm so lucky to call you my friend. You've shaped me and encouraged me to be a better person, and i've learned so much from your constant example. I'm so proud of what you do with your life: you embrace it. You try hard things and you master them. You use your talents and gifts to bless the lives of everyone around you. You are an absolute hoot to be around and I miss not seeing you every day. I hope you know how much I value our friendship and all the experiences we've shared (yes, even the hard and ridiculously silly ones :) You are the best and deserve all the happiness in the world! Happy birthday babe!

xoxo

claire