We made it to Ho Chi Minh!

We have arrived! After a very short 27 hour journey from door to hotel, we are here. Air travel was more like 18 hours but with a 3 hour layover in Hong Kong and waiting for visas, going through customs,etc  added more time than I thought.

It is about 1pm Sunday afternoon We decided to get a hotel downtown for the night so we didn't feel like we needed to rush to the grocery store and move in at the same time feeling pretty tired. All of our bags made it though unscathed and seemingly with all their original contents; even the homemade raspberry jam and Costco sized brick of Tillamook cheese.

Just a short entry to tell everyone we made it safely. I am very proud of the boys! They slept when they needed to and had little complaints along the way, save waiting in lines. We are going to find some food and hit the pool at the hotel now and try to stay awake as long as possible.

Vancouver, BC

We made it to BC! It's about midnight and we are relaxing in the Cathy Pacific business lounge. Christine was able to get passes for all of us. There is very nice selection of food including some steamed dumplings and seasoned rice thingy w/ other stuff inside. I don't know what it is but it tastes yummy. Also a few beers and and liquor dispensers like we've seen in . Very nice! I will upload a picture later. I don't know why I can send and receive email, but my phone won't send out a text or mail. Oh, well, you can see it later. I may try another dumpling and another Heineken.

Clean Garage? No Way!

For those that know me well and that have been to the house, understand that my areas are messy. Yes, I admiti it! Through the process of packing and thinking of what we would need for our trip, we have purged much from the household. Christine and I have laughed at this many times and expressed how nice it would be to live abroad and keep just those things needed for every day life. (Now, my definition of "need" is quite different than hers!)

I know I have too many hobbies and interests and have tried to cull certain activities and hobbies that I just don't seem to get to anymore. Backpacking, Fishing, Hiking, Zymurgy(ooh, some may need to look that one up, but know how important it is to me!), and maybe just a few others are here to stay in the depths of my being! I can't shake 'em and I can't deny them my attentions.

But to the reason for this post. Please notice that their are two, yes two cars in the garage. This has not happened in almost two years. I am very proud that Ziggy Von Hammerstein's replacement (read here as unnamed Toyota Sienna. I just don't think it has the character to be named.) will live in the garage while we are away. The old bus may even get some body work while we are gone, but don't hold your breath here. It's a long shot.

Please gaze upon the unlikely photo!

Last Day at Springwater

The boys had their last day of school today. It was busy as we also had dentist appointments at noon. Both classes recognized Tony and Grant and made them feel special. I really appreciate our Springwater community and will miss everyone dearly. It will be difficult not having regular interactions with students, staff and parents.

Tonight I am finishing the last of the TC Outfitter embroidery jobs that I will personally complete. It's been a long time coming. I planned to finish up last week, but it never works out exactly as you wish. If you are customer, do not worry! Most jobs will be taken care of by family and colleagues already organized with artwork and details. Remember to email if you have any questions concerning embroidery, screen printing or engraving.

Hopefully tomorrow all loose ends will be tied and we can finish cleaning up the house. Christine is being very patient with me! Love you!

Almost time!

There is only 4 more days until we depart. There are still many details to attend to, but with a constant list we will finish. I wish I could alleviate some of the pressure on Christine, but I still have embroidery work left and my part of the house clean up is mostly what is left.

Well, today was a whirlwind! The boys and I received our last vaccinations, including rabies and Japanese encephalitis. They were very strong on this third trip to the Dr. It is still difficult to see your kids so fearful, but the alternative of contracting one of many terrible diseases eases my anxiety quickly.

I met w/ the boys teachers today to get materials and get some direction as to the curriculum they will be using for the rest of the year. I must admit I am excited about the opportunity to work more closely with my boys. We will have to make sure that we "take-in" the experiences of our adventure and not stress the academia!