Tonight as we were tucking Annalie in bed, she kept up a running lecture aimed at her purple horsey, Princess Star. “Shhh, it’s time for bed, Princess! We have to go to sleep now. Tomorrow when we wake up, we’re gonna have to get up EARLY so we can go get on the plane. If you’re a good girl, I’ll give you a fruity apple lollipop! No, I can’t give it to you now. You just brushed your teeth. Besides, you’ll need it tomorrow on the plane so your ears don’t hurt. Time to go to sleep now…”

What’s funny is that I’ve barely even talked to her about our upcoming trip. I guess Annalie has taken so many plane trips that she barely even needs me to reminds her of the routine. In fact, listening to her I remembered that I had forgotten to buy any lollipops. I guess we’ll make do with gum tomorrow. Good thing Annalie likes gum.

Our plane leaves in less than 12 hours and I’m starting to realize that we’re going to have a freaking lot of luggage. One big suitcase; one smallish suitcase; one booster seat; one laptop backpack; one large carry-on bag with my fancy-schmancy camera, my purse, and a breakable gift in it; and one small backpack for Annalie. I think I’m going to need to grow an extra couple of hands overnight.

But it’s all good. My clothes and toiletries are set out on the bed. Most of Annalie’s clothes are set out, with just a few more in the dryer. Troy is standing by, ready to pack when I give the word.

Maryland, here we come!

p.s. Are you wondering about story behind the photos? I was in the living room the other day while Annalie colored with markers in the corner. I left the room for a few seconds and when I came back Annalie had decorated her face. After I said, “Ack! Annalie, don’t draw on your face with marker!” I said, “Wait right there, let me get the camera.” Then we scrubbed most of it off with a wet wipe, and the rest came off in the bath later that day.