“Any true journey is a journey into the unknown.” — Zen quote
A Week in Seattle
Before takeoff, we spent the past week in Seattle seeing family and soaking in a calm before next crazy year. But of course it wasn’t without hiccups… Elisa got sick and spent two days in bed, but she bounced back in time to join in on family time.
We drank more coffee than is probably advisable, spent two nights in my childhood home up in Bellingham, and had some sweet moments saying goodbye to our dog Zoe (who will be happily spoiled by my brother Matt and my Mom this year). Dan and Jen, my brother and sister-in-law, were incredibly gracious to host us while we packed, prepped, and tried to remember if we’d canceled our ConEd bill.
The Chaos of Packing
You asked, we listened. Here’s the official luggage count: 1 travel stroller, 3 carry-on suitcases, 2 adult backpacks, and 2 kid backpacks. That’s it! Final verdict: we’re pretty proud that our entire year of life fits into this pile of stuff. Which makes you think… maybe not all that other stuff was really needed. Or maybe we’re going to be sorely missing critical items! Who knows?
Take Off
Today is the day. We leave this afternoon from Seattle and arrive tomorrow night in Japan. Ten hours in the air with two kids sounds like a lot, but honestly, this part feels familiar. We’ve been lucky enough to travel often with Evelyn and Daxton already, and both of them have become such good travelers that it makes the whole thing so much easier. Daxton is super excited about airplanes. Evelyn can’t wait for Japan. And yes, I’ve promised her an egg salad sandwich from a 7-Eleven on day one.
We’re also feeling pretty grateful that Japan Airlines bumped us up to Premium Economy. A little more legroom, a little more recline, and maybe, just maybe, a little more sleep.
What’s interesting is that right now, this still doesn’t feel real. It feels like we’re heading off on just another trip, the kind of family adventure we’ve taken many times before. The bags are packed, we’re checked in, and it’s just business as usual. We keep saying to each other that it probably won’t hit us until a month in, when we realize we’re not going back for another 11 months. That thought, equal parts thrilling and terrifying, is the one I keep circling back to as I look out the window at the planes taxiing by. Is this real?
The Adventure Ahead
This next year is unknown. That’s the thrilling part and also the scary part. We’re stepping into it with gratitude, curiosity, and a ton of snacks.
Highlights so far:
- Spent time in my childhood home in Bellingham, WA
- Saw Zoe (our pup) and handed her off to Uncle Mat
- Dan and Jen hosted us in Seattle with open arms
- Kids are in great spirits — Dax can’t wait for the airplane, Evelyn can’t wait for Japan
- Matt (my middle brother) is meeting us in a couple of days in Tokyo to join the adventure… sushi and sake dinner pending!
Here We Go
We’ve been blown away by how many of you are following along and cheering us on. It makes us feel like we’re carrying this community with us, even as we head into the unknown.
So here it is. Day one. The adventure begins. Also… EEKKKK!
