Departing

Departing - Such Sweet Sorrow

After a lot of saving, a lot of preparing, and the dreadful packing--we are ready to depart for our European vacation. 

 

Our itineraries are carefully organized (OCD fashion) in the binder we had to borrow from Madeline (So much for being well organized, we realized at the last minute we should think about putting it altogether in a binder).                                                        

  Packing: what can I say? I've had finer moments in life. At first it seemed fairly well organized. We began laying things out days in advance. But, then we had to really get to packing and didn't start until last night. Everyone was tired. Nolan wanted to pack everything he got for Xmas and much of his belonging (as if we are moving out of the country instead of going on vacation). It was challenging to reason with him. Our reluctant traveler: Madeline, just couldn't understand what the purpose of all this was or how to help beyond staring at her cell phone. Fischer was in it to win it, helping all along the way and never really getting frustrated. I once shouted out, "There are two window seats. The two most helpful kids get those seats, the least helpful might get the aisle. If no one is helpful, Mom and Dad get those seats!" The boys were immediately motivated; Madeline said in her blah voice, "I will sit in the aisle seat." (Backfired for her, but hey, the boys finished strong).

 Fresh start! Day of departure! Reluctance is reluctance. Those who are reluctant will be interesting to watch as we travel. Nolan was first of the kids up, dressed, and standing in my room with his backpack (four hours before go time). The bags are packed, whatever we forgot we can pick up along the way, and the electronics are charged. 

McGehee's are exiting the country!!!!