I Can’t Believe It’s 2009!!!!
2009 has been a momentous date in our minds for quite some time now.
The first thing I whispered in my children’s ears this year?
“We’re going on our big trip THIS year!”
For so long it has seemed like 2009 was so far in the future and now it’s HERE!
Of course, the scary thing for me is that now it’s here, I’m afraid it’ll all be over before we can barely blink.
But I’m determined to savour every moment.
Hopefully you don’t get sick of me talking about our “big trip” before we even leave as I suspect you’ll all be my sounding board as we make preparations (and it feels like there are a LOT Of those to be made).
Christmas this year had a distinct “trip” theme about it. The kids each got their own toiletry bag, complete with toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and a face washer. We’ve already been giving them a good workout at the shack but their primary purpose if for the “big trip”.
They also got a digital camera each so that they can record the trip through their own eyes. Already I’m amazed at their photography. It’s a great way to see the world through their eyes.
Next on my list of things “to do” is to look through the Back To School sales for school supplies we might need during the trip. I want the kids to each keep a hand-written journal/diary of the trip, complete with photographs and other pictures. I’m not sure yet what to use for these journals. On the one hand, I think something with a plastic sleeve would be good to keep them protected (as I imagine they’ll be read over and over). On the other, I’m thinking a book with lined pages will be easier for them to write in. I’m kinda hoping something will magically jump out at me but if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.
Now will somebody pinch me because I’m not sure I can actually believe we’re going to do this trip - THIS year!!!
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When we did our trip last year I got my girls spiral bound books meant for painting. They have nice thick pages. I’m pretty sure I bought them in one of the cheapy shops. They aren’t lined but I like it because they could journal, draw a picture (particularly good for dd6), stick in postcards/photos/brochures. They are sturdy and have held up very well.
Libby
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of you talking about the trip. I’m so excited for you guys to go. I think you’ll have a great time, and I think it will give you a lot of fantastic blog posts.
You’ll need something to look forward to after the trip. Two reasons - first is “post trip deflation” which is what everyone gets when they do something that they’ve planned on doing for a long time. The second is “midpoint-itis” where you spend the latter half of the trip thinking “this will be over soon” rather than enjoying it. My experience with big trips is that I come up with a mental half way point where I am no longer “going away” but am in the process of “coming back”. This was especially strong for me when I went around Australia where it felt as though when we reached Darwin (having driven from Melb to Perth to Broome that even though there was lots of holiday left, it was already sort of ending). Either way - have something else on the horizon to look forward to so the post holiday deflation isn’t prolonged (or something to worry about)
When I was in primary school, (yes, I vaguely remember the good old days), we had to do at least one project per year. We had spiral bound books which had lined pages alternating with blank pages for illustrations. They were thicker paged than the normal exercise books. I’ll be going across the road to Officeworks on the weekend for more photo paper, I’ll see if there is anything like it available and let you know. Another idea is a sturdy sketchbook as suggested by Libby, you could rule lines on alternating pages. Or looseleaf pages which are then fitted into a plastic sleeve to protect it as each one is completed.
I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say we won’t get tired of hearing about your big trip preparations. Like you said, we’re your sounding board.
How exciting!!
I’m sure you’ll spot something amoungst all the back to school stuff that will strike you as being right for the kid’s journals.