We all have that person in our life, you know the one: kinda bossy but in a subtle “maybe it really was your idea first” kind of way, OCD but in a “huh, that really does make more sense” way, and always has good advice but follows it up with “it’s really up to you, though” to alleviate responsibility or guilt by association. You know the type, you’re picturing them now. Well, here’s mine:

and today is her birthday, so everyone join me in wishing Aunt Kelly a very happy birthday!

You know that thing I do sometimes where I start a story and can’t finish because I’m laughing so hard? Or how I always know where the best dessert stops are on road trips? Or how I can walk into a room of strangers and know them all when I leave? Yep, that’s all Kelly. I’ve been her personal apprentice for 30 years now, and I’ve been razzle dazzling everyone around me because of her investment in me as a woman, a leader, and a person. 

Kelly is a badass, a business owner in a male dominated industry, an entrepreneur, a painter, a mentor, mother, wife, and friend. You name it, Kelly can do it or she’ll gladly outsource it to someone who can. Seriously, I have learned something in every conversation we’ve ever had. Everyone needs a Kelly. 

We’ve had a lot of fun through the years. She gave me a love for cowboy hats, corn dogs, and good camera angles. 

This year has been especially fun because I’ve gotten to see her love our Peyton and soon assume the important role of Mother of the Bride. 

I could ramble on and on about our shared passion for travel, or our love of humanity, or giant cinnamon rolls. Trust me, she’d let me ramble on and on about how great she is, and how young she looks, and how much we all love her. I’ll leave you with this, Kelly when she started Ricochet:

That’s her story and she’s stickin’ to it. Happiest of birthdays to you! Thank you for helping me become the bossy, people loving, middle-nameless woman I am today!