I know I sound like a broken record but I just can't believe how fast this week flew by! We originally started planning on traveling with our family only over summer breaks when they were out of school so they wouldn't miss their friends. But then the pandemic hit and they were forced to homeschool. All of our summer reservations were cancelled one by one and we found ourselves holding broken dreams and void tickets in our hands. A few more months went by and the kid's homeschooling was turning out to be a very positive experience. They were excelling and were quickly moved up to the next grade mid term. We talked several times about taking them on a trip but held off because most things were closed, we weren't sure if the health measures were keeping everyone safe, and we (like almost everyone else) hoped it would all blow over in a few months. Well... one month turned into eleven and we were facing our new year with the same restrictions, the same fears, and the same isolation.
When we sat on New Years eve and asked everyone what their New Years resolution for the year was, it was the first time we didn't all have one. What was there to hope for? It felt bleak and defeating. We tried to be positive and happy for the kids but that morning we sat on the couch after the kids went to bed and had a serious talk over wine. What would it hurt if we went on our trip across America now? We would be facing the same restrictions of the past eleven months. We would be wearing the same masks, taking the same health precautions, not see our family or our friends. But we could gain so much more! We could visit the National Parks and see our amazing earth. We could admire the murals painted on the buildings, try different cuisines (even if it's takeout only). We could watch the sun rise over the ocean. We can see fireflies dancing in the dark, listen to wolves howl in the deserts, and stargaze far away from the city lights. All of these things we can do while social distancing, and all of them we cannot do at home. So what would it hurt?
We started planning our trip in the wee hours of News Years Day 2020 and although it feels like it's all happening so very fast, I know it's going to be okay. Once we get in that car, it will work itself out. I am so incredibly excited for this next adventure in our life, and so thankful to be married to a husband that wants to go on it with me.
Checking off last minute prep items is taking forever. Today is Thursday and our list for today is:
Haircuts for everyone
Pack Ava's go bag
Pack Ava's room
Pack Greg's side of bed
Pack Greg's side of closet
Pack Greg's go bag
Roll up our ruggable and put in storage
Have dinner with our moms to say goodbye
Put away breakables and personal items
Pick up 90 supply of medications
Finalize paperwork with lawyer
Get massage
And then tomorrow we have to tackle the rest:
Pack Lance's go bag
Pack up Lance's room
Dispose or give away all perishable food
Clean out refrigerator
Clean house
Give dogs bath
Buy extra dog food, cat food, chicken food and fill all feeders
Pack my go bag
Pack car
Confirm reservations
Charge all batteries for the trip
Not freak out
"Stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it."
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