packing and saying goodbye

we only wanted each of us to take one checked bag along with one carry on and one personal item. a few weeks before leaving it was snowing in warsaw, poland. their winter was unusually long this year, which made packing very difficult for us. we focused on bringing layers, but the first few times attempting to pack, i could not successfully get the suitcase closed. i kept having to take more things out until it would zip and i could pick it up. 

meet cheeto.

we refer to him as our "practice baby" because we rescued him the first year we were married and gave him all our attention. he is a maine coon by breed which makes him a cat-dog, a cat that enjoys human company. i'm not making this up, he loves playing catch! he is very large, very furry and very shy. he loves getting on our lap and in our suitcases, as you can see above. he runs whenever the doorbell rings or when someone knocks. he only comes out for a very select few. as much as i hate pulling cat hair out from my eyelashes and rolling my clothes constantly, i will miss cuddling up with him because he is our baby and we love him dearly!

as i mentioned before, we have two children, both girls. we are very close as most families are. we decided to make matching anklets before leaving on our trip and we will not take them off until we see each other again. my oldest was very emotional during our goodbyes and my youngest was very clingy and hyper. it was not easy letting them go, but i know they are in good hands. i have only been away from them for a week, so this seems like forever to me. thank goodness for technology that helps people to stay connected even if they are several time zones away.

i spent my last few weeks preparing calenders, medical releases, lunch monies, schedules and anything else i could possibly think of to leave behind for those taking care of our children. school at the end of the year is extremely busy and this year is no exception. it took everything i had in me to stay organized and think proactive as possible to prepare them for the weeks ahead.

the weekend we get back is the same weekend my oldest daughter will be competing in a state competition that happens to be several hours from our house. this means we will immediately take a road-trip with the kids after returning. it also means, i will not be there to help coach her. i will have to rely on the people around her to help her practice. she, of course, is a rock star and i doubt she will have many issues with it, but the timing sorta stinks. i am just grateful we won't miss it and we will do our best to fight the jet lag that might be creeping up on us by then.