Today is my favorite sister’s 30th Birthday, and after knowing her for about 28 of those, I can say that I am truly excited for all that’s on the horizon for her as she rolls into the next decade. Any day now my nephew is going to grace us with his presence, and I can’t wait to see what an awesome mom she’s going to be.

My sister is the best you guys, but you probably already know that, because I talk about her all the time to anyone who will listen. I’ve always looked up to her, because she looks at something, decides she wants it, and she gets it. She always has some great advice for me, whether it be about my job, or recipes to try, what music I will love, what book to read, or what yoga position is the best to wiggle myself up to headstand.

This is us at Nikki’s wedding shower, and I feel like it’s pretty much a representation of our friendship – Nikki is one of only a choice few people who’s allowed to boss me around. And boss, she does. She doesn’t know how to sit still, she gets bored easily, and she always wants to be having all the fun. And she knows how to make anything fun – from a grocery store run, to waiting in line at a bus stop, to a long car ride – she’s the one you want by your side to make the mundane seem amazing.

This is a photo of my sister MOMENTS after falling into a lake on her WEDDING DAY. For those of you who know my sister, she has a serious fake smile, and you can tell in this photo that this one is 100 percent real. Even though the bottom of her dress is soaking wet and she’s got lake grass on her legs. Because she is into having full-on fun, not dwelling on the past – plus, falling into a lake was pretty much the second best thing that happened that day.

I am so excited as she goes into her 30s to watch from a close distance to see what awesome things are in store for her, and for me. I am so proud of who she is, I am proud of who she’s made me, and I am proud to call her my sister. Nikki, I love you, and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks when my nephew shows up – Have the Happiest Birthday.