Traveling

The anticipation. The excitement. The fun to be had. Oh how I love to go on trips. Even if those trips are just going "home". I put the word *home* in quotes, because my husband has reminded me that where I live (AZ) is home. But, going to see family and old friends and getting to go to some of my favorite food spots (Jakes, Sequoia, Mannings) has the feeling of "home" to me. So, whatever term is correct, I am going to CALIFORNIA in less than two weeks. And I am super excited!!
I get to take my son to see his Grandma and Grandpa and his great Gram... and of course, he will get to see his favorite Auntie A and Uncle T! I will get to see my best friend, who I haven't seen since October and who now actually looks pregnant. I can't wait to feel that little baby kick and just share in the joy of celebrating the new little life that is about to enter our world. I am so looking forward to seeing several other friends, old friends, whom I haven't seen in quite some time. To watching my parents love on my son. To enjoying having my bro and sis-in-law spoil him with hugs and kisses and maybe a cupcake, too. To showing them how much he has grown and changed and how much of a "big kid" he has become in the past few months.
My list of "things I want to do while I'm in Cali" is growing each day. But, before I can get to those things, I have another list to tackle: my packing list. I absolutely hate packing. Always afraid I'll forget something, I have a general, yet detailed "travel list" saved on my computer. But, with a baby, who changes so rapidly, it is hard to keep up with his list. Some things that I needed to pack for him in November aren't necessary now, but have been replaced by other, ever-so-important items. Now, if I can just remember what they are, I'll be set.
I know. I'm going "home". They have stores there. I have family there. Family who won't allow us to go without if we forget to pack an all-important item. But, still. I hate to forget things, and quite honestly, I love to make lists. I just hate to pack. I stress over packing. How do I know what to pack? How do I know what the weather will really end up being? What if Toad wets through his outfit twice in one day. I know. My parents have a washing machine. They even have baby laundry detergent. Yet, I stress. That is precisely why I will start my packing this week. :) I'll overpack and I'll end up not wearing half of what I take with me. But, I'll be prepared. And, I'll have a wonderful trip... even if I do forget something.