I love this girl.

This past weekend, I took my firstborn on a mother-daughter overnight trip to explore the beautiful region we live in and spend some quality time together.

We traveled north, and Hadleigh experienced her first bed & breakfast. (Well, actually her second. But I don't think staying at one when you're 9 months old and moving cross-country counts.) The Stone Manor was lovely...our room was comfortable and full of unique charm (like the stained glass antique pocket door)...our hosts were gracious...fellow guests friendly...and breakfast was delicious as promised.

We ate dinner here: Magnolia at the Mill. Beautiful building inside and out. Delicious food. Fun conversation with my girl.  We finished our dinner (pizza for her, poached pear & flank steak salad for me) and headed back to our retreat, for a girls-only movie night. (We watched Nim's Island.)

Girl talk and iPad games followed the movie and then we fell asleep late.

Saturday dawned beautifully, and it was off to the park after breakfast.  Playing at a park was Hadleigh's one request of the weekend...and we found a great one.

She LOVED the zipline there...and she's going to try to persuade her Daddy to put one in our backyard!

I love watching her play. Swinging with her.  She is in her element when outside and free to run and explore.  At almost nine, she continues to be my outside girly-girl.

Our morning took us from Lovettsville, Purcellville, and Hamilton to Aldie for afternoon tea at The British Pantry and then antiquing and shopping in Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville.  (Leesburg was originally one stop I had hoped to make, but our hours went by quickly.)

I'm in love with the little village of Middleburg, and all the images of foxes displayed throughout its streets.  Some day, I'd love to stay here and explore the area shops and vineyards with Brent. :) 

Today, though, Hadleigh decided where to go. She loves thrifting and antiquing as much as I do...and we found some lovely spots. Just look at those blue spools! And old books. Sigh.

The shop on the left was in Aldie and filled with so many lovely things.  This stairway had so many frames and mirrors, all painted in a gorgeous turquoise blue. 

The shop on the right is in Upperville and absolutely gorgeous.  The building used to be Upperville Primitive Baptist Church, established in 1775.  The owner was charming to talk with and her store is full of amazing light...and beautiful objects.

We finished our day driving through the beautiful hills and then were treated to a gorgeous sunset...

I treasure the time that we shared together this weekend. I love that she still wants to hold my hand when we walk down the street. I love that she wants to look at every last piece of jewelry in a shop but still finds great enjoyment in a playground.

I love this place where she is...in so many ways, still a little girl but in other ways, slowly (okay, maybe a bit too quickly) growing towards a young lady.  

She is beautiful and funny and generous and bashful and adventurous.  Sweet and silly. 

Full of sunshine, my girl.