Sweet merciful heavens I have actually started packing. What a mess. There is stuff all over the bedroom in little and not so little piles. I think I may have been optimistic thinking I can get all this stuff in two suitcases. We shall see, we shall see.
I suspect shoes are going to be a problem. I am still trying to find a way to get my cool boots into the bag. I could wear them but I really don’t want to. They’re lace-ups and it would be a nightmare to get them on and off at airport security. Plus I need walking shoes (two pair), flats to wear with my skirt, heels, and sandals. Both of the children have two pairs of shoes plus sandals too. It seems like a lot, but I would rather be prepared, and avoid having to buy anything under duress.
I had the kids pick out their clothes today. It took them about five minutes. Rotten kids. I have been thinking about what to take for months. They barely thought about it at all.
Each kid is taking:
- 5 pairs of pants
- 4 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short-sleeved shirts
- 1 fleece hoodie
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 nice outfit
- 1 pair of pajamas
I am taking:
- 4 pairs of pants
- 2 cardigans
- 4 long sleeved shirts
- 4 short-sleeved shirts
- 1 nice dress, suitable for formal occasions
- 1 pair of pajama pants & a sweatshirt
I’ve managed to squish most of that into 4 space bags. Those things are amazing. I’m sure the clothes will be a wrinkled mess when we get there, but I don’t really care. I put the space bags into our big orange duffel bag, and it is only about one quarter full. Wow. And I still have one space bag left! I think I will try to get the kids lightweight jackets and hoodies into that one.
We also need socks and underwear of course. I have to pack the hats and gloves and ball caps too. There is still a lot to get in there. For example, books and toys and school supplies. I want to try to get a couple of board games in if I can too, and some DVD’s. It all depends how much room we have. Maybe I need to get more space bags. I suppose the danger there is packing the bag so full it is over the weight limit. However, I think that is pretty unlikely since the weight limit is 50 pounds, and I won’t be able to lift the suitcase if it weighs more than that.
I think I will try to divide that stuff into three piles. Those piles shall be called:
- Mission Critical
- Non-Essentials
- Luxury items
Things like school supplies are mission critical. Board games are luxury items. I’m not exactly sure what falls in between. I guess I will know once I make the piles.
But in the meantime, tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I really don’t want to think about this right now. I am taking the next 48 hours off.
Oh, and Merry Christmas everybody.
