The Miakat

Leigh and I realized that this is probably the last year (or second-to-last year) that we can choose Mia's Halloween costume for her. Therefore, this is our last year (or second-to-last year) to pick something super hilarious. What was she? Meerkat. Oh yes.

She went to school in a Halloween outfit, but we had to save the meerkat for trick-or-treating.

We went to Jill's house, Haunt the Zoo and the to the Dupuys' house. Here's a montage:

It only took a few stops at the trick-or-treat stations before Mia got the hang of things. She held her little bag up every time.

After we finished Haunt the Zoo, we headed over to see the Dupuys. When we got in the car, Mia was gripping a Twizzler, which I thought wasn't a good piece of candy for someone who doesn't have all her teeth. I told her we'd have candy later and took the Twizzler. She cried out: "My tandy! My tandy!" We had no idea she even knew what candy was.

The Hipster Preserve

Well, it was time to leave New Mexico and say goodbye to part of our South African family there. On our way home, you know where we had to stop: Cadillac Ranch.


Oh, yes. After a seven-month hiatus, the Jacobs returned to this famous Route 66 spot. Once again, Mia loved it.

Old Santa Fe

We went to Santa Fe with Fredre and our new tour guides: Carin and Alfie. It was a great mix of beautiful and weird.


In fact, Mia was having such a good time, she threw a fit.


Mostly the whole endeavour involved eating.

But we also took time to enjoy the art:

We also visited the Miracle Staircase in Loretto Chapel. Mia was quite good.

Mia practiced her new favorite thing: "Ready! Set! Gooooo!"

It was a fun trip.

A few days in Farmington

Well, we've had a big fun time in Farmington. Mia has really enjoyed playing with Carin and Oupa Alfie, who she's remembered since her birthday party. She's also warmed up quite quickly to Leigh's cousin, Fredre.

But she's really, really excited about something they have that we don't: stairs.


She's also been busy moving chips from the bowl back to the bag and then to the bowl again. Very helpful.

We spent some time outside playing with Alfie and Carin's dog, Bonsai.

Mia decided to help out by taking Alfie's shop broom and cleaning things up a bit.

We had to visit the park to get out some of her extra energy. I'm pretty sure it was the only place in Farmington with grass. It was lovely!