Jiggity jig.
Tomorrow we head back to the bay. It was a really lovely trip, and we had a great time, but we’re all ready to go back home.
I’ve been processing a lot on this trip, about the final years of one’s life, about caring for the elderly, about what we owe our family, about grief and surviving the loss of the ones we love. I hope I can manage a post or two on those thoughts some day.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about our trip to Colombia, all the ways it will be more challenging than this trip was, and all the ways it will be more amazing.
I’m so glad this trip came first. I took tons of notes (both in my head and on my phone) about what to do differently next time, about what to bring, and what to leave at home. And I will have to do things differently because we won’t have a car and I won’t have another adult to stay with kids here and there, and least not for the first five days.
There will be no overnighting the things we forget.
I definitely know what clothes to pack, and which ones to leave at home. I want Colombia to be as light a trip (packing wise) as possible.
I’m looking forward to next week, when both my kids are in summer camp (my son only until 1pm but still!) I already feel the space in my brain opening up to think about PTA obligations and other things. I hope to get a lot of stuff done.
We also learned a lot about AirBnBing the house. It was a steep learning curve but I think the next two visits will go a lot smoother.
But coming back to this trip, it really was a lot of fun, and that was mostly because my kids are finally at the age where I can enjoy more of my time with them than manage it. My 8 year old rocked it, my 4.5 year old did well enough. I wasn’t crazy to think I could travel with them to Colombia. At least not totally. š
I still have a lot of packing to do tonight, and work to have the house ready when we leave. My uncle left two days ago and it’s been a relief to have the place to ourselves. He is nothing but kind and accommodating, but sharing somebody’s space is stressful, especially when that somebody is a widower and you have two kids who aren’t always very considerate.
I can’t wait to spend the next two weeks in my own, recently cleaned house. It’s going to be amazing.
Jiggity jig.
I have consistently found that I am always happier when I pack less. š Hauling stuff around is no fun, especially with kids, and I’m all about wearing jeans and layers multiples times without washing. Ha! I’m glad you’re feeling more confident after your first travel experience with the kids this summer!
I am curious about some of the things you learned about AirBnBing your house. We are preparing to do this to our house and any and all tips would be much appreciated!
Happy return home flight wishes. Will be fascinated about the ABnB lessons. Also all you learned re aging and family truths, including what the aging can do to help the next generations.
Super glad you enjoyed trip, Used it as shake-down planning for Columbia. Detailed packing lists that you take along helps each time you load the suitcase/duffle/packpacks. Less is absolutely important esp as you will be the primary lift&tote person for all 3 of you.
Looking forward to more posts! Re PTA: Keep plans simple and minimal and remember how little time you have once you are back teaching.
So glad you had a great trip! Iām in the mood dst of travelling abroad with my kids and I keep thinking about you.
YIPEE!!! you are home. Unload suitcases into washer, then dryer than get stuff folded and into place. At least the first load, I do remember reality. Celebrate clean house. Do not let fact the children will scatter their belongs in less than 5 mins all over the house twitch your calm. Do remind them to pick it up every evening. Do not expect that to really work but it does help. CHEERS!!!!