Manny, Mia and the drive to Pinetop

I flew into Tucson, Arizona and Sara picked me up at the airport with Mia. Though I sincerely doubt Mia remembered me exactly, she was still sweet enough to give me a hug. Unlike the younger set, there wasn't a shy moment with her as she had to get to know me all over again. (not like it takes these kids long to be my best friend or anything, but there wasn't that moment that I usually have...which merely means the girl is growing up. Yikes!)

After a quick stop at the grocery store for supplies for our trip to Pinetop, we headed to Sara's house.

Manny hindered the bed-making process by climbing up and bouncing around. But he's just so darn cute doing it, isn't he?!

Mia requested that I come hang out in her room and she proceeded to put jewelry on all of her stuffed animals.

The next morning, Sara, Mia and I packed up the car and headed north. Sara and I were dropping Mia off with her grandparents in Phoenix (they were headed to California for their own adventure) and then Sara and I were meeting up with two others to ride up to Pinetop in northern Arizona.


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Mia was awake most of the ride to Phoenix, but then with about 30 minutes left in the trip conked out.

A blind photo I took from my seat. Can you tell that she just woke up? Doesn't she look perky?!

As I mentioned earlier, Mia is growing up very fast. Here she gave herself her manicure - note the stripes.

And her toes are in all colors as well.

Dear Lord, she looks like a teenager here. But that's hot chocolate in the Starbucks cup, I promise!

We met up with Mish and Tami, packed another car and headed out. Mish has always been able to fall asleep anywhere and if she hadn't been so quiet, I wouldn't have even been sure she was asleep!

Tami drove.

Sara and I in the back (when Sara wasn't asleep!)