Reading Time in Arizona

 Have I mentioned in any of my posts that Elena loves to read?  Well if you haven't picked up on this favorite activity, here are just a few moments of Elena reading with Great Grandma (above), Grandpa and Grandma (in the pictures below).

 And a pinch of flower smelling...we don't just stop to smell the roses, all flowers are adored.

 Elena wasn't feeling too good, as you can tell she looks a bit hammered.  She is teething and possible compounded with a head cold.  Teething has never been a good time for us.  Mark the calendar, her first 2 year molar broke skin during our Arizona visit.

"I Howl, I Growl" is a book from Grandma and Grandpa about the animals and critters living in the Southwest.  Elena enjoys reading it and making the animal noises.  During our drive, we stopped for a potty break (we did use pull ups during the drive for naps, but Elena kept it dry except for nap times).  We brought her little potty, popped the trunk (small suv hatch back), shifted our bags and set Elena down on her potty.  We began reading the book when she looked up and realized we were surrounded by cactus which was also in her book.  She was so excited.  I think she talked about the cactus for an hour after we were back on the road again.