Taking the Show on the Road

After leaving Big TX, J had to go back to DC for some training. Little One and the doggies and I had a long trip to make, driving aaaalll the way to Tucson, AZ. We left before morning, and Day One worked out beautifully. We stopped for Little One's meals, and the doggies got to run around and play fetch. We all stretched out and played awhile then were on our way again. We got to see trains, cheer "Caaah!" when a car or truck passed us, and sing as loud as we pleased. As long as She had the doggies to entertain Her, and Her new bestie, Puppy, to snuggle, She was happy as could be back there in the piles of stuff.
We stopped outside of El Paso when we were all sick of driving. To make up for strapping Her into a chair all day, I took Little One down the street to the shopping mall play area. She had so. much. fun. Her little pint sized self was the star of the show. She was so clearly wanting to play with the other kids, but so clearly too shy to jump in, that the older ones noticed and took Her under their grubby wings. They took turns leading Her around by the hand, giving Her hugs, and demonstrating the fine arts of tunnel crawling and ball rolling. It took a team effort to get get down the slide, but they were rewarded in giggles and hugs.

It was wonderful to watch. Kids are so inspiring I think, I the way they can just meet and make friends in an instant. We wrapped up with a ride on the carousel.

What a day! We were all happy to do a little reading and crash into our comfy beds. We were so worn out we all fell right to sleep. Which is good. We needed it for what was coming.