We're Counting Down the Days

We're gearing up and getting ready to go on our trip to Italy and Ethiopia early in the morning on Nov. 2nd . I think I'm a bit anxious because I've tried to pack as much as possible before hand so that on Monday it's just last minute details.

Our passports came last week--I know cutting it close! Andrew's and the girls' came before mine which made me stress out a bit but I finally got the passport info to the travel agent and we're ready to go. All except for the visas that will have to be done once we get to the Ethiopian Airport. Hint: do your own passport photos at home.... much cheaper! We had to have some taken for our passports and then realized we need to take some with us to get our visas and realized... Heck why don't I just print them at home and sure enough it's all over the internet, do it at home! So that saved us a bit. Anyway I also have tried to plan a head with getting these little Dora Tether backpacks. Yes, I will be putting my girls on leashes, so sue me! Okay please don't. But I really think it's a great idea! I put them on them periodically throughout the day so that they get used to wearing them. It's the whole being tied to something and not being able to wander that I think might freak them out. I also bought some caribeners to tether them and our carry on luggage to the stroller so that nobody can just take off with our stuff. I hope it's a good idea.

Well all that is left besides getting to the airport is picking up a few last minute supplies, treats and pictures for the Ethiopians. My parents are having me print some pictures of their Ethiopian family so that they can have pictures of themselves. They rarely have any and if they do they have been carrying them around in their pockets and they get so worn that you can't even tell who is in them. Anyway I'll also be picking up a few dollar plastic photo albums so that these pictures won't be easily ruined.

Oh and by the way did I mention I was hosting a huge Halloween party Friday night? I know crazy but after last year's success many people have been anticipating a big bash. Knowing me I couldn't refuse a party so I have put myself through the ringer in putting two huge events in less than five days. I have no one to blame but myself.

I know my parents are anxiously awaiting our arrival and I only wish that they could meet us in Rome. I'm a little nervous because neither Andrew nor I have ever been out of the country let alone a place that doesn't speak English! Kind of nervous. We head out at around 7 Am on Tuesday morning from Idaho Falls and then to SLC for three hours, then to JFK for like 5 and then off to Rome, Italy and then we stay there until midnight on the 6th and then on to Addis. My parents will be there to pick us up and then I'm not completely sure what we are going to do as soon as we get there. The plan was to drive down to the farm in the new Dodge Pickups that were sent over there 6 months ago. But they aren't sure if they are going to be there yet!! Can you believe how long it takes for things to get over there? Anyway I'm looking forward to the adventure, because I'm sure it will be no matter what we do. Then we all (my parents included) head back to Rome on the 18th and stay there until the morning of the 22nd. What's kind of cool is that we will leave at 7:20 in the morning and then get to Idaho Falls at 5:45 PM. That whole time thing kind of wigs me out. Which reminds me I need to get a watch. :)

Well now that you know the itinerary you can stress along with me. ;) Any suggestions, advice, prayers? please send them our way.