The last weekend in Canada this year

Elliot was home with a cold/pneumonia the week before last and just returned to school this week for his last few days of school prior to leaving. I picked up where Elliot left off and managed to contract the cold that he had. We are hoping that this is the last of the sick'ies for the next 2 months.

Elliot is off to his last dance class today, then we have company coming over today and tomorrow. Our guinea pig is heading out tomorrow to the daughter of a friend of ours. Then there is 2 more days of school for Tegan & Elliot, 1 night of Spanish lessons on Monday night (Tegan is coming along with me), and then Tegan has a single Irish dance class on Tuesday night. Correen is off to the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert on Monday night while Elliot has a play date at a friend's house prior to us picking him up after Spanish lessons.

 

Then it is an attempt at a good restful sleep prior to waking at 3:30am to assemble ourselves for the early trip to the airport, customs and our boarding. Can't wait!

 

1 week to go

The family is very excited to hop on that plane next week. The kids only have 3 more days of school left and tonight we are going out for some drinks with friends to wish us "una gran vacaciones". With everything planned and packed, the final challenge is waking up on time next Wednesday morning for our flight.

It looks like the country of Panama is being hit with constant thunderstorms now, during our stay and right up until we leave the country. Hopefully this doesn't affect the start of our trip.

Some places we are visiting will be receiving more than 60mm of rain. The garbage bags that we packed, ya, are clothes are going to be sealed away inside them when traveling.

Less than 2 weeks to go

In 11 days we will be checked into our first hotel in Panama City. Time is swiftly passing us by as our departure day approaches. This week we have packed all of mine, Tegan's and Elliot's clothes as well my camera bag is packed. We are also getting a bag of clothes and other items to donate to children of Central America.

I made my attempt to get some school supplies donated from big box stores, but no luck came from that endeavor. I believe Correen has gotten our dentist to donate a bunch of dental care products. I am sure anything we do will be worthwhile and I know the experience of giving will be a valued lesson for our children.

So far we will have 2 bags checked in and 3 carry ons. The first aid kit and our toiletries are the only items left for the large checked in bag. Tegan's bag was only about 2/3 full when we finished packing; she will have room for some souvenirs. Elliot is bringing a small backpack for books and the both of their DSs. Correen has yet to fill her pack and so we are unsure how heavy or how bulky her bag will be. All in all it is looking like we are traveling light for this trip; as planned.

With less than 2 weeks to go; I have our travel insurance to purchase, prepping the house for the time we are away and a send-off party to attend.

We are getting so excited around here and can't believe it is nearly time to begin this journey. Nearly time to amp up these blog entries!

 

Airline Tickets to Central America Booked

Today marks a big milestone as we have officially booked our tickets to Central America.

We will be leaving on Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 and returning to Calgary on Sunday January 13th, 2013.

We managed to get our tickets for just under $2800 including the taxes.  I am pretty happy with the cost since we have elected to fly into Panama City, Panama and fly out of Belize City, Belize.

Now I can get down to the itinerary and specifics of the trip.

!Centroamérica aqui vamos!