We are leaving for our trip in less than a week so it’s crunch time. It’s also finals week for Cal and the last week of school for Esme, Nova and Asa.

The camper is pretty much ready except for our clothes and a few last minute additions. The kids are excited both for the end of the school year and the trip. It’s a bit bittersweet too because inevitably, there will be things they miss. Esme is missing a friend’s birthday party and we will all miss their cousin’s birthday party. They will miss a month of days with nothing to do which they wish they had more of. They will miss their pets, especially our kitten Monty. He will grow so much bigger while we are gone!

We will gain some time together (maybe too close together?) exploring new places and things. Niagara Falls! Boston Harbor on 4th of July! Maine lobster! Amish country! The great outdoors in Canada!

This week will be all about checking things off my list. I have a list of things to get the house ready for our pet sitter and a list of last minute things to pack. There’s a list each time we move the camper to make sure we don’t break anything or leave anything behind. I’m also finalizing an itinerary to give to my mom.

It takes a fair bit of organizing to pull this off and while being extremely organized, you also have to be careful not to over plan each day (the driver needs down time, not to mention the kids!) and be extremely flexible. So here is to being flexible and relaxed in an extremely organized way!