Best 4th of July...EVER!

I promised that I would tell everyone about my special trip on Monday, so here it goes.  You are not going to believe the adventure and surprise!  It started off like any normal weekend day, but then mom and dad got really busy.  I wondered if they were packing to whisk me to Chicago?  And then all of a sudden, Gammy and Gampy showed up!  We all hopped in the car and off we went.  I always like to sit in the front, but mom won't let me, so I stretch forward as much as my seat belt will allow.

Are we there yet, Gampy?  Step on it!

Mom told me that we were going to GenKota Winery in Mount Vernon, IL.  A little under an hour from our house.  She said there would be a surprise waiting for us!  When we got there we stopped in a near by parking lot so I could eat lunch and walk around to...well...take care of business.  I made time to pose with Dad before we got back in the car.

Now off to the winery we went. Come on!  They're open, let's get out of this car and have some fun!

And when mom and Gammy were scouting out a table on the porch, making sure that the breeze was strong enough to keep me cool, you won't believe who pulled up!  SUKI!!!  Don't worry, she wasn't actually driving...her mom was.  Hee hee!  For those that follow Suki's blog, you know that she has been getting ready for a road trip adventure.  Well, when she found out where they were going, she emailed me and asked if we could meet since we'd be so close.  I jumped at the chance!  Suki and her mom were so kind to carve out a couple of hours from their adventure to say hi.  I'm sure they will fill you in on all of their other activities on the road, so stay tuned to Short Tails of Suki!  Suki's mom scouted out the winery where we met.  Turns out that the owners actually have 2 pugs of their own, but they were at home.  Pug people are the best, and everyone said that the wine was pretty good.

As cute as Suki is in all her pictures, they do not do her justice!  She is one of the most precious pugs I've ever met.  Ok, she's the first, but mom, dad, Gammy, and Gampy were fawning all over her, so I'm not just trying to suck up or anything.  She has the personality to go with it too.  A firecracker, but the most well-behaved firecracker you'll ever meet.  (Notice how nicely Suki is sitting for the picture above, but I on the other hand would not be bothered by such instructions.)  Oh, and she is super petite!  I'm perhaps a bit taller than most pugs, but still rather small and I looked quite large in comparison.  Here's some pics of Suki being adorable!

About to give my mom kisses!

Cute, cute, cute!

Look at the neck on this girl...have you ever seen a pug with a neck?!?

While the humans ate a nice lunch, Suki and I stayed close to the table to see if there was any food for us.  Our moms gave us a few pieces of fruit (yum).  I could tell that they were having such a good time getting to know each other.  Suki's mom is so nice!  I wish we lived closer cause I think us 4 girls would have a blast!  Don't we look great!?!

Me and Suki and our moms!

Suki had lots of energy and at one point was running circles around her mom.  I wish I had met Suki in my prime so I could have joined in the butt run!  I think I could have kept up with her.  But I was shy and obsessively focused on food and a bit over heated in the humidity.

Suki is sitting pretty while I am wondering around looking for crumbs!

The day started off cool with a refreshing breeze, but it got hot even though the sky was cloudy.  So, I asked Suki to join me in the hammock chairs on the porch for a little girl talk.

And then it was time to go.  Suki and her mom needed to hit the road and start the long drive back home.  But I didn't want the afternoon to end.  We took one last picture under an arbor of grape vines.

We promised that if we are ever in each others' neighborhoods again, we'll make time to hang out.  We had such a wonderful time!  The best 4th of July EVER!  Hugs and kisses to Suki and her mom.

Love,
Payton

PS.  Suki was so thoughtful and gave me a present - lots of great toys!  I like them so much that I haven't let them out of my sight yet.  I will tell you guys all about that later, once mom edits a couple of video clips.