"Wow, that southwest sunset looks really nice, doesn't it?" asked Phineas. Ferb showed his approval by whistling. The step-brothers were watching a nature documentary on the Uncovery Channel about the Southwest, talking about the wildlife, the local lifestyle, and the scenery. When the show was over, the boys turned the television off and headed outside to sit at their usual spot beneath the backyard tree. Even though they were both 15 now, they still did this morning ritual before they built something.

"I wish there was a good excuse to make us go explore the rest of the U.S." Phineas said. "And I'm not just saying a daytime trip like the one we did around the world. No, I'm thinking big. We should take a week or so, to immerse ourselves in each region for a day or two. What do you think?"

"That's quite a bit of wishful thinking" was the reply from Ferb. Phineas nodded, "Yeah, I guess you're right, there's no way our mom would let us take a week to explore the U.S, especially by our usual means." With that they sat silently, admiring the day.

Just then, Isabella came into the boys' backyard, skirting as usual towards Phineas. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Nothing yet, Isabella. We were just thinking about going around the country for a week, but it's really not possible. I guess even summer vacation has its limitations."

"You were watching that show about the Southwest, weren't you?"

"Yeah, how do you know?"

"I tell you Phineas, I know you too well. Only a program like that (or a good legend) would inspire you to do something like explore other places." Phineas gave her a toothy grin. Only she could get one of those smiles out of him. This made her go into Phineas-Land, if only for an instant.

"So what are you doing, Isabella?" asked Phineas.

"Well, I just came by to tell you that I'm leaving in two days to visit some of my family in Texas" she replied. "I think my mom is going with me, but she still isn't sure. Her workplace might need her just when we plan to leave. Come to think of it, I haven't checked on that. Want to come over?"

"Sure" said Phineas. They ran across the street and entered the Garcia-Shapiro house. Isabella's mom, Vivian, was sitting in the living room watching television, with Pinky the Chihuahua sitting on her lap. "Hi boys, how are you doing?" she asked.

"We're doing great, Ms. Garcia-Shapiro. How are you ma'am?"

"I'm good, thank you."

Isabella said, "Mom, I just came back here to ask about the vacation we're supposed to take to Texas to visit the family. Are you going to be able to come?"

Vivian, after a moment's pause replied, "No. Sorry Isa, but the workplace needs me right now. And not to lie, I kind of need the money too." Genuinely disappointed, she said "Too bad I already bought two plane tickets. What a waste."

Just then, something occurred to Isabella. "Hey, why can't somebody else come with me?"

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, that plane ticket will just go to waste if nobody comes with me. Why can't somebody else keep me company?" She pressed, "Somebody like Phineas?"

Vivian gave a slight smile. "What do you think Phineas?"

Phineas felt honored. "Well, I'll miss my family and especially Ferb. But I would like to go, just to explore something new. I just need to ask my parents to see if they approve or not."

"No need to do so" Vivian said. "I already asked Linda if she would allow you to go. I had a feeling that Isabella would ask me if you could go with her, so I went ahead and asked. She said that it was fine with her."

"Oh, well that's great" exclaimed Phineas. "I'll just let my mom know that it's official. Thanks Ms. Garcia. When should I be ready?"

"Please have all of your packing done by tomorrow night. It is an early morning flight. On the day of, be ready by 5:00 in the morning. Will you be able to do that?"

"Sure thing, I wake up early anyways, so a little earlier wouldn't hurt. But I got to run and tell my mom about it. Once again, thanks a lot."

"No hay problema, mi'jo. Anything for you." With that, Phineas and Ferb went over to their house to tell their mom about the whole thing.