Girl's Week Out

Payton and I just got home from a wonderful week visiting one of my very best friends, Tamela, in Virginia (about 4 hours north of Roanoke, I think!) They are pastoring a growing church there. Melvin and Tamela were gracious hosts, and we had a fabulous time catching up and enjoying quality time together.

One afternoon we went to a big outdoor shopping center. Payton LOVED this big fountain!

She was ready to jump right in!

Meeting "Callie" the kitten. Payton quickly fell in love!

Amazingly enough, the kitty did too! Payton loved carrying it around. We (and the kitten!) had to quickly teach her that carrying it by the tail or neck was not the best of ideas!

We were trying for a photo shoot...very difficult with a wiggly 18-month-old and a squirmy 8-week old kitten!

Payton was broken-hearted at being separated, even for a few minutes, from her new little friend! This picture made me laugh!

Payton loved playing outside every evening. So nice to not worry about pesky mesquitos, and to just be able to enjoy the nice weather!

Payton really got into the PS2 football game! Melvin gave her a disconnected one, and she thought she was big stuff!!!

Melvin and Tamela took us to the Smiths' farm one afternoon so that Payton could take her first "real" horse ride!

She would only pet the horse with one finger...so funny!

She was nervous at first...

but loved it as soon as they started moving!

"Thank you, Melvin, for such a good time!!!"

Then it was off to feed the chickens....Payton loved it!

Watching the ducks cool off...

Back from the farm...Payton thought she needed some boots, too!

Packing up to head home...

Telling the kitty good-bye...

My friend, Tamela, and I. I am looking forward to going back again sometime!

Thank you, Melvin and Tamela, for treating us to such a fun week!!!!!