We have had this trip on our minds since last August. We began planning in earnest in May. But until now it has seemed kind of off in the future. We have caught up to the future!
The "organizing the house" project is continuing but much has been done. In our coat closet, Trey's closet, the girls' closet and our closet there is nothing but empty hangers. I still need to do Ben's closet and the linen closet in the hallway. My donation pile keeps growing even though much is already gone. What has been hard for me is that I have had to make a decision on every single item in our house. Does it get donated? Are we keeping it? Does it get thrown away? I have not had the luxury of "I'll come back to it." Really, it is a good thing, and I'm sure I won't miss any of the stuff that is gone. In fact, I can't even remember what it was--which means that we didn't need it! I am so glad that we have a large attic. Several years ago Myles put plywood down in there for a floor. Right now it is housing all of our household items that we are keeping. There are MANY plastic tubs filled and stacked in there. There is a lot of stuff in there but the attic looks the most organized it ever has!
Myles took down the swing set today. Now that's sad! That has been a fixture in our backyard for the past 12 years. I did not want to leave it up while we are gone because it is kind of old and I would hate for something to happen. Right now it is on the side of our house waiting for the big trash pick up on Friday. Myles also got rid of lots of stuff from the garage that we no longer use.
We have five boxes completely packed, sealed and ready to ship this week. It takes 4-6 weeks for delivery via ship. We have to fill out customs forms for every box. We also have three suitcases packed and ready to go.
We have met with all of the teachers of our younger three kids. All are very supportive and excited for our family's adventure. I am so excited that in Natalie's social studies class they are studying world geography. Awesome! We meet with the academic counselor at Ben's high school on Wednesday to make sure we know how to document his academic progress. We will be taking all of their school books with us and I am just thrilled that we will be able to see what our kids' classes are doing online. That is such a change even from when Ben started school not so many years ago!
The kids are still going to practices, going to games, participating in school activities. This is so great for them but it means running them around as usual in our unusual situation.
Four weeks from tonight we will be on our way. It will be here soon, and I think I'll be ready...
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