A trip to Roanoke

We spent a week in Roanoke, Virginia, visiting friends. Here are just a few highlights:
1.  Spending time with the Smiths.  Hannah loved Michael and Tootie and their puppies.  They enjoyed Hannah and entertained her by blowing bubbles for her.

2.  Visiting with Craig and Barbara, Susanah and her dog Lizzie.  Hannah loved this puppy too- they even played hide-and-seek together :)

3.  We were blessed to visit with Sarah one evening as well.  Then we went to the movies together while her mom babysat Hannah.  Again, Hannah fell in love with Sarah's puppy!

4.  We had a fun dinner with the Brennemans and the Sloans.  No puppies here- but new friends for Hannah: she had fun playing with the kids and warmed up to Roger pretty quick.  It was great to hang out and also to meet baby John.

5.  We were in on a surprise for Michael and Tootie- a trip to Disney World!  We went to dinner then a cake/ballons arrived.  We photographed and recorded their very surprised reactions.  What a great event to be a part of!

6.  We went to CTK for church on Sunday- it was great to see all of our old friends there.  Then Aaron persuaded some friends to eat lunch at the pub with us before we left Virginia that afternoon.

We certainly visited with many more friends, ate lots of yummy "Roanoke" food, and attended FCS graduation but I didn't get anymore pictures.  We were so happy to see everyone again and renew our friendships. 

Valentine's Special: Barbara

Sorry for the interuption.  The Valentine's Special Edition was interupted by SNOW, dog sitting a neurotic dog, hiding Molly from the dog, oh and did I say Snow?  Four inches of snow in my yard.  In Mississippi.  This is crazy!

Well, back to celebrating people.  Today I would like to celebrate my friend Barbara.  I met her six or so years ago, but I mainly just knew her daughter.  But when we became friends, boy did we connect!  We both love Jane Austen, love reading, love staying at home and avoiding people.  Yes, we are both introverts.  But we are married to extroverts, so we got together often.  We also have a fondness for movies, popcorn, slice and bake cookies and chocolate.

Barbara is an accomplished actress and a wonderful drama teacher.  She puts on amazing performances from a very low budget and apparently a magic hat.  She loves her students and is always encouraging them.

The past year (or two) of her life has been very trying.  Barbara and Craig have come throught it with abounding grace and mercy.  Of course there was anger, frustration and tears, but the love and concern for their loved one was bigger than all the emotions.

Barbara is a great mother.  She is the world's funnest grandmother.  And a wonderful friend.  So even though I moved away, we still keep in touch and pray for each other daily.  I don't know what I would do without her friendship.  I love you Barbara.