The Plan

I’ve always been a big fan of a good plan.

Our plan is to travel for four months (I had hoped for more but Sean didn’t like that plan). Our plan is to take a break from the endless list of tasks that go along with two careers, two young kids and too too many activities. Our plan is to show our kids the wonders of travel and hopefully spark a life-long curiosity for seeing more of the world.

We’ve been pre-planning for about four years. That phase involved a lot of day-dreaming, reading, saving, talking…arguing…compromising…more talking. True planning began six months ago. That phase has been full of complicated flight logistics, endless hours researching the perfect airbnb’s, surprisingly easy school meetings, uncomfortable work conversations and of course those two careers, two young kids and too too many activities.

There have been tears about missing dance recitals and distress over not being able to bring along a bike (Josh’s version of a security blankie). There has been far too much money spent at REI and far too many stressful conversations with my mom (yes I promise we have valid passports and no I’m not worried about the kids being kidnapped). There have been unimpressive attempts to begin learning Italian and overzealous bookings of cooking lessons, gelato tastings, concerts, kayaking trips and more. There have been squeals of excitement and impromptu dance party celebrations. There have been long bedtime snuggles spent talking about the amazing adventures that await us in Europe and enthusiastic discussions about adopting a dog when we return.

Today we are 15 days away from departure and putting this plan into action. We are excited, anxious, determined, grateful, ready to go and convinced there is something we are forgetting. If we are lucky…things won’t go exactly according to our plan.

March 31 – July 13

Italy – France – Ireland – Portugal – Spain

Emma, Sean, Leila (9), Josh (6)