The bags are packed and the checklist, well, checked, and only the last minute things left to be accomplished.  As usual, I worry that I've forgotten something, but I also remind myself that we're not exactly going to the ends of the earth.  We realized this week that this is the first time in over 17 years that we've gone on a vacation that doesn't require airports, security, passports, etc.  It's so nice not to have to worry about what will or will not be allowed in our luggage!

I was hoping to get the girls' quilts finished before I left, but it's been slow going.  However, I'm really pleased with the way they are coming out.  They just look happy!

I was especially pleased with the little sheep block.  I had put it off to the last because I thought it would be a bear appliqueing the Minkee fabric.  But it went together with no problems at all:

Since we'll be gone for Mei-Mei's birthday, we joined the family at Alderwood Mall Sunday for a little party at Build-a-Bear.  Despite Abby trying to distract Mei-Mei with other bears, she insisted on a pink bear.  She is definitely a girly-girl.  But how could you deny this kind of love?

When it came time to select outfits, pink won out again and the pink bear was outfitted in a pink ballerina costume.  Isobel made big points with her grandpa by picking out a firefighter costume so her bear would look like Yeh-Yeh (grandfather).

I also have a modeling shot of Evenstar.  I gave it to my niece for her graduation from Washington State University and she looks gorgeous in it:

She and the shawl are off to Ireland for an internship in a couple for weeks.  It's a dream come true for her and I know she is going to have an incredible time.

I hope to be able to post from the road on our trip.  I'm a little embarassed to admit how many electronics we are taking with us.  Between iPods, IPads, computers, cell phones and what not, we have enough chargers to open our own store!  But with any luck I may even be able to create a few scrapbook pages while the memories are still fresh.