Neewollah Parade

Though the circumstances surrounding our trip to the midwest were certainly unpleasant, we were able to enjoy some fun fall activities...in real fall weather! On Saturday morning, we joined lots of my family and several friends at a huge 2-hour parade in Independence, Kansas. I grew up going to this parade every Halloween weekend...very much a Kansas tradition! It was SO fun to go back again; brought back lots of great memories! The weather couldn't have been better, the food was as great as I remembered, and the company was just the best! Payton loved it all, of course...almost as much as all the lollipops...apparently her candy of choice!

This was her first lollipop (to my knowledge, anyway!) She loved it!

We joined my cousin, his wife, and two beautiful little girls, Tori and Cera!

Gracie and Darrell Lee Stetler

I was so thrilled that my very dear childhood friend, Liz Stetler, was in town for the weekend. It has been a few years since we've managed to be in the same place at the same time. It was so wonderful to spend just a little time together with Lizzy and her three beautiful children!

Taking it all in!

Labette County High School's Grizzly Marching Band!

My alma mater!

It took Wyatt and Payton a little while to understand that they should pick up the candy thrown at them and put it all in the buckets!

Waving at all the floats passing by!

Lollipop #2...I really am not a bad mother...I promise!

Loving Wyatt's baby blues! What a sweetie! Payton had SO much fun with him all weekend!

Papa's lap=relaxation!

Best place to watch a parade is on Daddy's shoulders!

All tuckered out!

Payton loved waving at all the people passing by!

Payton and Heath Stetler

My friend, Lizzy, and I with our children

I love this girl!

A Celebration

Friday was the funeral for my grandmother, whom we call "Memaw". We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful or special day, celebrating our memories of her and the godly life she lived.

I'm not one to take pictures of funerals, but did snap a quick picture of her freshly covered grave later in the day. I'm so thankful that Memaw isn't really buried, but rather in Heaven with Jesus and friends and family who've gone before.

This is looking out at the hills, away from the cemetary. Earlier in the day, the view was beautiful, but I didn't have my camera. As my dad says, this part of Oklahoma is just
plain pretty!

A huge thank you to all the family and friends who came to the visitation and funeral. We appreciated your support. I am proud of what a difference Memaw and Papaw have made in so many lives, evident by all those who came to pay their respects.

Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

It finally cooled off enough (from 92 degrees to 80 degrees!) to put us in the mood to visit the pumpkin patch! A few pictures from our morning...

Picking out her first pumpkin (she was too little last year!)

Our little virtuoso...

Payton has always loved music (surprise, surprise!), but lately, she is obsessed with the "mio" (as she calls it!) Her daddy, especially, is very proud of these pictures!

Coming Soon...

Yep, it's true. In case you hadn't already heard, Payton will be a big sister on or around April 19th! We are absolutely thrilled! We will know in about 5 weeks whether we are expecting a boy or girl...and we'll let you know!

20 months old...as delightful as ever!

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!!!!!