"The best part of life is when your family becomes your friends, and your friends becomes your family" - Danica Whitfield

i know i showed you photos of our trip to NY yesterday, but i couldn't help and write a special post for the girl who made NY that much more magical.

 {doesn't this Texan girl scream tourist in her gloves and trainers?! ha}

me and Karina met a year ago thanks to blogging-- oh the wonders of blogging -- and she instantly felt like family. I knew that when we met (which would be the moment i landed at JFK because this gem of a friend to us rented a car to pick us up!) it would be seamless-- like you were meeting any family member at the arrivals gate. 

in fact, when we were eating with meg she couldn't believe that we were girls that just met Saturday when i flew in!

Her 7 year old (though he'll tell you he's 7 and 3 quarters) Miguelito was a true bonus. Just as sweet as can be and so well mannered. To see Kary with her son, you can't help but smile and hope to be the kind of Mom she is one day. There are no words to tell you how much i fell head over heels for Miguelito. 

Karina not only shared her beautiful home but also her family. She was a most gracious hostess, patiently taking us to each of our must-see list as 1st time visitors to the Big Apple and thanks to her we saw everything we wanted to and then some! (like the copious amounts of magnolia cupcakes + eating pizza every.single.day)

She's a beautiful person with a big heart. You can easily tell it from reading her blog, but in person... wow. I could go on and on how much we both LOVE Kary & Miguelito and obviously have :) but let's just say we are blessed to know them and call them family.

and we already can't wait to see them again!

with my older sister maria & her husband frank and us in Times Square 

with her sister jessica on the Brooklyn Bridge

 i mean summer even said she wanted to steal little Miguelito away so i know i'm not totally biased ;)

 this is exactly how we were the whole four days... inseparable. 

Kary as my pappa told you on the phone... Wichita Falls is no NYC, but our home is always welcome to you all. 

Muchas Gracias for everything mi dulce amiga!!! i love you & miguelito more than words... "more than all of outer space" xoxo

p.s. i love that the scarves me and twinkie are wearing are ones Karina had sent us for christmas.