The bags are packed, and we are ready to go.  All the necessary changes of clothes are carefully placed, the uniforms are pressed and waiting to go out to the car, special items from home are sitting on the top of the suitcase, and 4 little cards (one for each day that we are gone) are labelled and sealed.  Over the summer, we left Charlie and Lola with The Mister’s parents a couple of times.  Each time, I left them each a letter for them to read when they got up (Lola had Charlie read hers for her).  I decided to keep the tradition alive on this side of the ocean.  Each envelope is labelled with a day (Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri.) and they can open them when each day arrives.  It’s a little message of love from Mama and Daddy and also a reminder to do homework and to be a good guest. 

I had a little seminar with Charlie and Lola yesterday, teaching them the rules of how to be a good guest:

1) Respect your hosts and their space – this means, keep your things tidy and in the suitcase.  Don’t make a big mess with your clothes all over the place.

2) Always be thankful: eat the food served to you without complaint.  Ask to be excused from the table.  Look for reasons to say thank you to your hosts and say it at least once a day.

3) Always listen: no matter what the kids of the family are doing or saying, if the host parent asks you to do something, clean something, go to bed etc, your answer should always be “yes”. 

Lola’s eyes were huge with effort, trying to recall all the points when it was time to review.  I think they are going to be fine.  I’m not worried about them feeling secure or loved.  Nor am I worried if they’ll have fun or not.  Lola has been waking up the past several mornings asking if today is finally the day that she gets to sleep over at her little friend’s house.   She always walked away with disappointment when I told her it was still a number of days away.  Today, though, is a day of excitement!  First day of school (the playground is still ripped up and they say it could be another 2 months until it’s finished.  What????) and the day of adventure has finally arrived! 

Now all I have to do is wait for my 3 a.m. flight.  Blech.  What a wretched time. 

Stay tuned for the “dead dog” tally update!  Here’s an idea: put your guess in the comments!  Maybe there will be a prize!  What’s the prize?  A trip to Egypt!  I guess I win by default.  But, still, your guesses count for pride.  Good luck!