We're Leaving Tonight!

We are so excited because we are leaving tonight at 5:00! We are only bringing a little bit. We made all of our stuff fit in just two large suitcases, one small bag, and six backpacks. We are taking the backpacks as our carry-on. I can't wait!

             -Jeremy

12 More Hours to Go!

Everyone's bleary-eyed as we head into our final 12 hours at home!  We got up early this morning to start getting us set to Italian time and so that everyone would be nice and sleepy by the time we got on the plane tonight!

James wants to make sure that we get to explore Italy's medical services:  he is the proud owner of two new staples in the head.  That's right -- he gashed his head last night and Michael got to spend some quality time with James (several hours' worth) in the emergency room.  We get to go to the hospital in a week to get them removed.

We're going to pack up the animals this morning to take them to the babysitter (thank you, Angela & Mary!), and then have a wonderful day.  Michael will come home at 2 to keep James company while the rest are at swimming, and then we leave for the airport at 5.

Love,

Alexandra

Tying Up Odds and Ends

James just had his tenth birthday and we are all excited for him. He now has a new camera to take pictures of anything he sees that is interesting to a boy like him.

So far we have a few odds and ends to pack up, but not much! Just some carry on and  some other things, then we will be off  on our trip we've been waiting for.

Our goal this last day is to have has much family time as possible. That means games, games, packing, and more family games! We have also been saying our goodbyes. Oh, I'm so excited!

Love,
Ashley

Packing!

The kids are conveniently away tonight, so I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to pack.  Thank you, Frank & Judy!  I have James's and my clothes packed in one duffel bag with lots of room to spare for all those items still to go into the bag (a few sweaters that are still drying); I'll pack the other kids' clothes in our other duffel -- so, grand total = 2 bags on the flight!  I'm delighted not to have too much to keep in sight.  And the boys will each have a bag to schlep, so there won't be any fighting!

Love,

Alexandra

The Countdown Continues!

The excitement is mounting as we're saying all our goodbyes this week.  It's really making it seem more immediate, rather than a distant vision!  We've been planning and thinking about this since last June, so we're having to pinch ourselves to believe that it's finally here!

Yesterday, Eleanor's students at Catechesis of the Good Shepherd gave her a beautiful farewell.  Her lovely Zoe also had to say goodbye for now.  Today, we have to say "arrivederci" to piano teachers and more of our friends.

Last night, I put Jeremy in the bathtub with all the sweaters so that we would start with nice, clean sweaters before we go.

For those who are following my creative endeavors, James's sweater is completely finished and ready for him to wear.

This is a picture of our town.  Our house is (I think) roughly in the clearing halfway up the hill on the left hand side.  The main piazza, the Piazza del Popolo, is at the top, with the cathedral at the head.

There are 4 churches in Todi, so we'll have plenty of choice!  The closest is almost right next door!

Love,

Alexandra

Preparing To Go Without Pets On Our Trip

  It will be hard going without our lovable and humorous pets. Our pets are like part of the family and we have to go traveling without them. Sometimes, just petting them can make me feel better. I know that I will NOT be able to take them on the plane to make me feel more comfortable. I get nervous on planes and like to have something to distract me or someone to sit next to me. I don't think other people on the plane would appreciate a hamster or rabbit on my lap! It's too bad.

 Love,
Ashley

Here are some of our pets:

Only Two More Weeks!

We are all excited about the countdown!  We're still busy with activities and school work, but that will come to a screeching halt next Wednesday, when we start packing!  Wish us luck!

Love,

Alexandra