Darla--the blogger and mom--being pitiful!

Maren: 5; Maja: 16; Mark:14; In Las Vegas--getting ready for a Barry Manilow Concert.

Chloe--age three

Preparations and Count Down Begins

I find when preparing for a trip it starts months before you actually start to pack. With four children in tow--it could possibly start a year before you actually put one piece of clothing into a suitcase. Is it any wonder I always feel overwhelmed when I get back? I feel like I need to unpack, organize, get into a schedule ASAP. When, in reality, it should take me as long to unwind and get unpacked as it took me to get organized, plan the trip, and pack. Thus began this great feat--last November--I got ALL of the children their passports. Next, I bought the tickets and then I JUST received all of our Visas. Where are we going this time? To Brazil--Rio de Janiero, to be exact. I am in no way a writer by profession or do I profess to be a professional traveler. I do have a passion for traveling and this blog is a way for those who know me to be a part of this huge trip. I started my travels when my two older kids were younger. We went to London and there began my true passion for traveling and sharing the world with my kids. Now we have two more children--yes! A total of four--and I still try to take them as many places as possible. So far, I have all of the airplane needs bought; things like, toys, arts and crafts, books, etc. My five year old and three year old will be well looked after. Then the older two are basically on their own. They will keep themselves busy with their ipods/zunes and books. There are advantages of having your kids grow up and traveling with older kids can be a great joy--as long as they can keep perspective while traveling. You know sometimes they don't like to be uncomfortable (who does?) but this is something they need to learn: You still need to be helpful, happy and polite and things usually tend to work out. Patience is a quality that we all need while traveling. I will be going over the expectations with them as I will with the younger ones. I might have them sign behavioral contracts. This is a big trip after all, and I am planning to enjoy it as much as possible.

I will post pictures and keep my dealings updated as much as possible. This is probably more for me than anyone else. Although, it will be an easy way for those of you to see what we are doing WHILE in Brazil.

The next step? Talking about and planning for the three weeks while in Brazil. Saturday @1pm. We already have the agenda and my many questions to be answered.