Landed in Kansas City for a weekend of adventures, shopping and wedding fun.

This past weekend, I hopped in a taxi and headed to the San Francisco airport, all in prep of my Kansas weekend adventures. My awesome Mom chauffeured me around, and while we were at it, we hit up the Kansas City sights.

Mom took me inside the Hallmark building.

First stop: Hallmark. My Mom puts up the cards back at home, so of course we needed to see the headquarters. We learned about the early days when Winston Chuchill's paintings graced cards. Then we saw the manufacturing process on a small scale, which is where I caused a small bow-making malfunction. Mom pushes the button; out comes a bow. I push the button; it gets stuck to the top of the machine. Seriously... A couple more button pushes, and I finally had a bow. Sadly, I then lost it over at Crown Center. After the vistor's center, we went over to the actual building because my Mom is technically an employee. With visitor badges on, we roamed the halls and made it to the Double Discount room — cheap Hallmark stuff, especially if you are planning a party or need holiday decor. We ended up with a few great deals.

Then, eating and shopping over at Crown Center, even another Hallmark store stop.

At the visitor's center, you can make a bow.

Then, mine got stuck. Of course, I would break it.

After all the shopping fun, we went to learn about money ... maybe should have done that the other way around. We saw Huey, Dewey and Louie lifting money around, created our own money with crayons and computers, and took home a free bag of money (shredded) and a $5 eraser

Mom and I learn about money.

Pretty view from inside the Money Museum.

Mom poses with Ben.

You wish your money was this cool.

More walking later, we saw Union Station. It's a pretty place and had miniature trains, but I'd had enough trains (they aren't my fav).

After that, we walk through Union Station.

Phew. So much shopping and walking.

The big event of the weekend was the soon-to-be-Barnes bridal shower in Maple Hill. Janel's sister and mom put together a great party coated in yellow and gray, the wedding colors. I also got to see Janel!! We played fun guessing and pruse games; I won at neither. Then Janel opened all her goodies, with the help of a few little friends. I am also really excited to get my thank you in the mail. (No pressure or anything.) I made her cards with "thank you" calligraphy — three different styles. I also included her return address, so I know where she lives for sure now.

Time for the soon-to-Be-Barnes bridal shower. Janel's ready with her mom, niece and sister by her side.

Janel gets her presents from the girls — lots of cute piggies.

Someone really like the chocolate prizes.

Mmm. Tasty cake, nuts and cake balls.

Janel got a doll, but someone else really wanted it.

Janel loaned her out, and she was well taken care of.

Silly mom pic.

Me and the bride-to-be!

The weekend ended with more Mom shopping, which means she is dressed and ready for her July Fourth vacation! Thanks to everyone who made the weekend of fun possible.