i could write a book...

we had to say good bye to margo 

and the rest of our visitors this afternoon.

thanks so much for coming, it was a blast!

then, it was time to pack....

boogie boards - check

skimmer boards - check

suntan lotion & beach towels - check

fins & snorkels - check!

we have a travel tradition in our family that i have done for years.

i collect games, toys, books, treats and other surprises and pack the kids' backpacks chock full for plane trips.

because we spent so many years living overseas from family,

all of our kids have been fantastic travelers as they (and parents) endured decades of 30+ hour plane trips in what i would call "survival mode"

not to say we haven't had our share of 

traveling disasters 

(many of which feature marathon vomiting sessions)  

as well as kids that refuse to use airplane toilets or eat airplane food...

but through the years, we never lost anyone, which i count as success!!

at one point, i truly felt that i could have written a bestseller entitled - 

overseas travel with small children

survival mode can be fun!

these days, traveling is a cinch.  gabi is the only one that appreciates

the surprise backpack anymore.

just give the boys their phones and a set of headphones and they are set for days!

and they would all rather sit together away from mom & dad!

paul, i think we made it!!!

bon voyage.....

next post from hawaii!