6 days until departure

Hard to describe the mix of emotion at this time.  So excited, insides filled with that giddy feeling of knowing we are about to be launched into another world, lots of adventure, lots of unknown.  So anxious as well, feel ok about big travel like this for myself, but never did it with 3 young ones along, looking to me for all of the answers.  Already Jack is wanting to negotiate at every turn: "Mom, I won't go to NZ if I have to wear uniforms to school, if I can't play lax, if I can't go to camp..."  I have to keep reminding myself that the 14 yo brain isn't always the best at naming emotions, hence they come out in all of these other ways.

Today I will start to pack in earnest.  The duffle bags are laid out, clothes are washed and bikes are ready to be disassembled.  All other details have come together nicely so we have plane tickets, visas, a car to drive, and a house to inhabit on the other end.  Oh, and I have a job!!  Other than that, life will unfold!

If this departure was not enough, in the past week other big exciting news!!  AW and I got engaged!!  A big step for both of us, but after almost 4 years of being together, it felt right.  Timing maybe not perfect, but wonderful to seal our commitment for now and will save the party for later.
He and I and the younger brood (WIll, Bruce and Maggie) all went to Family Camp at Norwester this past weekend and had a blast.  One of the best family camps I can recall in the past 12 years.  Truly a magical place.  We got to share it this year with many old camp friends who are also parents, including my sister and Deb Armstrong.  For me being able to share the time with Cathy Helliwell and Christa is always the highlight!  

So off to pack, hope it will all fit, hoping we can leave more behind!

a few pics from Camp: inside Long house, the Very polite club with Cathy the president, and a view from the lodge looking out on the San Juans.