In other news I’m in the final packing push. Because I’m working up until the last day before we leave, I’m determined to be as organized as possible this month.

The kids and I each have a backpack with about a week’s worth of clothes and then I have a snack bag for the flight over. I also ended up breaking down and packing a rolling suitcase for a few board games to play with our host families and American baking supplies (did you know Mexican spices, baking powder and chocolate chips are hard to find in France?) so we can share some favorite American recipes with our hosts.

Above is a picture I took of Esme with her backpack a few months ago. Each of us can carry 10-20% of our body weight which means Esme and Nova’s bags must weigh under 8lbs. Besides not being burdened by the weight I look forward to not being burdened by “stuff”. Moving from place to place should be a lot easier if each person only has the necessities. I am trying to remember that I can do without or buy most of the things we need there like shampoo and more clothes if ours get ruined or worn out.