This time three years ago we were packing up our lives in the Netherlands to spend two months in Calgary before relocating to Toronto.  This time one year ago we were packing house and moving across the city.  And now, we have spent the past few days doing laundry, cleaning house, and packing… again.  It seems that there is something about this time of year that inspires movement.  Perhaps it is like Fitzgerald says and life is renewed in the summer.  Or maybe the heat just makes us a little extra crazy.  Regardless of the reason, the warm weather has again brought chaos to our house.

I spent the day packing clothes and toys and the like and the children were remarkably amenable.  Each took it in turns to chose what particular treasures would accompany him or her on the road, and the boy was most particular about which clothes to pack.  The good news is it is only slightly frustrating to watch him pack and unpack his suitcase over and over (and over and over) because we’re so used to him doing it now.  In fact, he is currently sleeping with most of the contents that were packed in his suitcase because, well, they are his treasures after all.  At least we know he won’t leave with out them.  On the other hand, the girls suitcases are already loaded up.  I’m more concerned about “just one more thing” going in than anything coming out!

This is how our day started…

… but the minivan is now loaded, the maps are printed, and the snacks are prepared.  I’ll show you the final product once we load the children up in the morning.  First stop, Kalamazoo.  Really.