Oh, so close

Today we did a few housekeeping-type errands.  The kids collected all the money they've saved over the last few months (250+; go kids!) and we deposited in my bank account.  The plan is to access my bank account once in France and just take money out as needed.  My bank is somehow connected with BNP (P standing for Paris) and I will not have to pay international ATM fees.  I also collected some euros that I'd ordered just to have a little cash instantly available.

And, no, the bags are not yet packed.  We have a general idea and I think everything we're taking has been set aside so it's out of the laundry loop.  Only Tamsin has given any thought to her carry-on.  For some reason I can't get anyone motivated.  We are all last-minute preparers.  Except Leigha; she's been ready for a few weeks.

We're heading to NYC tomorrow.  There are probably other things to do but they can wait until Thursday...

LESS THAN A WEEK!!!

Mom? How do you change the countdown??? 'Cause it still says 22 days, when there is only 6 (!!!) until we leave.... Yeah. Well, as always we've procrastinated, only gotten new bathing suits today, and of course we haven't packed yet :P Oh well. In the mail I ordered a waterproof camera case (http://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Camera-Following-Nikon-Coolpix/dp/B001EBDY2U/ref=pd_cp_e_1) for France (and 'cause I wanted one) Since we're going to be simply one mile from the Mediterranean Sea, I would be taking many pictures on the tretcherous sandy wet beaches of southern France. Also, We've found a really cool underwater snorkeling trail near Vias. On it you can see volcanic ledges, mini canyons, sandy environments, and the flora and fauna typical of the Mediterranean. There are signs underwater pointing you to where you can go along the trail, and they let you rent snorkels for a dollar (or euro?? I really don't know) Yay! :) I can't wait!

YAAAAAAY!!!!!!

Today I graduated (lolz 8th grade)!!! And, on a similar note, SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!! :) Now that there's no more school, it seems like our vacation is just around the corner (well, it practically is, being 16 days until we leave!!!)! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY ITS SUMMER!!!!!!!!! --just had to say it ;)

what to pack

Ooh! Less than three weeks until we leave! Now comes the dilema: what to pack. I have five skirts that I want to bring, not to mention five pairs of shorts that I just can't be without. I should also pack a couple pairs of pants for a cool night or windy day. I also have three dresses I want to bring, and countless shirts, along with underwear and socks. I need to bring my sneakers, my converse, my flip flops, and some dressier shoes. And thats just clothes alone! I have to bring along some books for summer reading (and for pleasure reading, and to keep me occupied on the plane, train, car, in the house, when I'm bored....ect) and I have to bring my camera! And cell phone. By the way, can you call the US from France?? Guess I will find out soon! I also should leave room for things I'm going to buy in France (I have been stashing money for this since Fall!) So mom, can I have a whole suitcase to myself? Two? I have a feeling I'm going to need it!

AAARGh

I can't figure out why my posts are at the bottom of the page!  Why is this happening?  Anyone?

RailEurope

Yay!  I have a way to get from Barcelona to Vias! I've been strangled by stress the last couple weeks and, as we all know, the only way to relieve the tension is to tackle the problem.  So I know how to get from Barcelona airport to the train station (Line 10 train takes you there) and we have plenty of time to make our connecting train to France.  This is all made a bit more difficult because of the number of people. I imagine taxis won't take 6 people and I'm not about to stick a few of the kids in a stranger's car in a strange land (or in my own land, for that matter).  At any rate, I purchased our tickets to France today and have our seat reservations.  We are definitely going to be tired on July 3rd.

where's the passport?

First of all, hi mom! I have finally found the blog again (after twenty minutes of searching) so yay! I can post! Okay, so the subject of my post is "where's the passport?", as in mymomhasbeensuperstressedforthepastweekbecauseherpassporthasn'tcomeyetanditisallshecantalkaboutanditisdrivingmecrazy.
So advice for all you travelers out there who have passports that are about to expire: renew them NOW. Don't wait, don't think "Oh, I still have a month to get it in, it will be fine" It takes a while for them to come back. If you do not heed my warning, a couple weeks before you are going to leave, you will be driving yourself and your family crazy with the fact that the passport hasn't come yet. And so is the case with mom.

Not a convict

The owner of the property called yseterday to assure me she's not a convict.  There actually is a home we're going to and Madame across the street will have the key waiting for us in the mailbox.

We GoogleEarthed the property and it's a little farther from the beach than I'd hoped (1 mile) but that's not really far and it will help us work off the bread and pastries we plan on consuming.  Have I mentioned wanting to try a different loaf of bread each day?  The subject for another blog, perhaps.

Our trip there is going to be a trial, I imagine.  While we are flying into Barcelona, it's only after we fly into Madrid.  We have a 3 hour layover before going to Barcelona where we'll go to the center of town to catch the 4 hour train to France.  At least I don't have anyone in a stroller anymore.

Nerves

It's been awhile since I've posted but at least now I can say we have our tickets.  E-tickets just don't feel real, do they?  We'll fly into Barcelona and out of Paris and hopefully the train will take us everywhere else we need to go.
I have to admit there is the slightest bit of nervousness as regards the house.  PopPop seemed to think my lack of address was a source of concern and now I can't get that out of my mind.  I sent a message to the owner and she's taking a group through Prague now.  I wsa assured my "arrival packet" would be mailed when she ges home.  Am I too trusting?  It would seem an elaborate ruse to bilk me from some cash...