D-Day

Today is the first day of the rest of my vacation...or something like that. Only about 4 1/2 hours before we leave for the airport. Then begins the LONG travel. I am so excited that my stomach is a little gittery. I was debating whether or not to have coffee...but I'm sure that you can figure out what I decided there!
Anyway, the kids are so funny. Isabella keeps telling us that Grandma doesn't have (fill in the blank) in America. And Elijah keeps asking, "How many days til we go to Thailand?" And when I tell him we aren't going, he says," No, America Thailand." DUH! How could I be so stupid?!? And Lydia has no clue. Except last night she really enjoyed chewing the locks on our suit cases. And she tried to help me stitch up one of the suit cases.
But, nevertheless, the DAY has come. We are all packed up...save a few last minute things...and we have a plan for what to do in airports, and when we should make the kids sleep (I hope that'll work). We get to find out in just a few long hours if we have built America up to be "Disneyland." Or if the food really tastes as good as we remember. Or if a personal car is really as convenient as we remember. But we know that all of our family and friends are as wonderful as we remember them...we think. ;)
Love you all, and see you soon!!!

Eight days a week

Ok, so if I base my weeks on the old Beatles song, I only have a week until we leave for the States. Excitement doesn't even begin to touch what's going on here. Isabella keeps up with the official countdown. Elijah argues that we are going today or tomorrow or "3 days" depending on his mood. One of his favorite things to say is "3 days." "When's the last time you went potty, Elijah?" --"3 days." Which of course we all know isn't true, but he says it with confidence. "Elijah, when's your birthday?" --"3 days" It's the staple answer to any time related question...the three-year-old equivalent of "two weeks." (Money Pit)
We can't imagine what it will be like to be in a restaurant where no one is smoking. Or use seatbelts again. And don't even get me started on the car seat issue...which in all honesty could be a big deal as Lydia has never really been in one. Our kids are used to climbing all over the back seat of taxi, how are we ever going to strap them down?!? What's it going to be like to wear flip flops out and not come back with black feet? Or not having to dodge hockers, well, anywhere (hospitals included)? And of course, a very question, once I'm in a place where I can buy clothes that fit...how much money will I spend? Old Navy, here I come!!! Well, these are just a few questions that we are looking forward to answering! Hope to see you all soon!