Countdown begins!

Only 4 more days!

Between yesterday and today, my mom and I were able to get a lot more done on our "To Do" list. 

Yesterday we started the day walking a local park in our area discussing the abundant amount of things they we had to get done. We then headed to TJ Maxx to find luggage considering none of our bags would be quite big enough for a month long trip. To be honest, this was quite a struggle. We had been looking for weeks but could not seem to find the right bags at the right price. Finally, I was able to purchase a hard case bag that only weighs about 10 pounds considering the airlines have changed the guidelines on poundage on international flights. Now all I need is someone to come pack my bag because I have no idea what to take! Between weather, comfort, and style its almost impossible to predict what you will need for 30 days in another country. I am finding this article http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/packing.htm to be very helpful. 

After TJ Maxx we went to Target to spend way too much on a ton of travel products! Got to love being a girl and having the need for about a 1000 different products to get ready each day! This picture only shows half! I was also able to pick up a journal. I have read many articles about doing big trips like this and in a majority of them, it says to bring something to write on. Mostly because there is so much to see and absorb. I want to be able to relay everything we see and do to anyone keeping up with us on here so I will do my best. Plus the journal was too cute to not get. I thought the cover "Adventure is out there" was perfect.

I do want to also say that yesterday my sister made her big move to Linkoping, Sweden. After weeks of being without her husband and their twins without seeing their dad except on Facetime, they have been reunited as of today! Plus they were able to bring their dog Duke. 

So between 8 checked hockey bags, 5 carry ons, 2 carseats, a golden retriever, a set of twins, and 2 cute blondes, they were able to make the trip. I am so excited to be able to go see them in their new home and spend a good amount of time with them. The twins turn 2 October 16th! 

Today my mom was able to get her luggage from Marshals. If you are in the market for new luggage, before paying full price at a luggage specialty store, I 100% recommend going to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target, Costco, and Sams club. We found a lot of great deals at all of these locations and it looks like Tj Max and Marshalls restock every Sunday and will clearance a lot of items that have been in the store long. 

Today we also recieved some exciting documents, our Eurorail passes! This was the last part of the actual travel piece we had been waiting for. We bought a 17 day pass to be able to get around the area since we are going to so many places. We plan on taking the train from Brussels to Paris, Paris to London, London to Amsterdam, and Amsterdam to Stockholm. We plan on flying from Dublin to Brussels. 

Speaking of Brussels, I did not mention that we are going to be able to stay with my aunt and uncle. My Uncle Todd works for NATO and this will be the first time I have ever been able to visit a place he is located in. http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_112175.htm? I am so happy I will be able to spend time with my Uncle, Aunt Soodi, and cousin Chris and it does not hurt that its going to be in a pretty cool city! 

Well my mom and I are making progress on our list. But we still have a lot to do. Thanks again for keeping up with us on here and wish us luck on our "To Do" list. I do love being able to cross things off!