Paperwork

It's astonishing how much paperwork needs to be done before we go, very little of it really connected to the travel itself. Travelwise, both Richard and I need a document which gives us permission to travel internationally alone with the kids (in case something happens and we need to split up), as well as permission letters for various grandparents to travel alone with the kids (in case something horrible happens and they need to come pick them up).

There's the rental agreement for the house plus all the house directions (ranging from the location of the water shut off valve to what to do if the burner on the stove refuses to light), and transferring the utilities.

Then there's everything connected to school: letter of intent to homeschool, letter of intent to bring the kids back to school, power of attorney to Julie to enroll the kids for school next year, the accompanying school enrollment forms, letters to each of the school principals plus the district describing our plan and all the other letters.

And let's not forget taking care of financial stuff--powers of attorney, extra signatory on our bank account, all the directions for checking our accounts online, spare checks, new credit cards, travelers checks.

I keep telling myself that failing to get any of these done will not be the end of the world, but a little voice reminds me that not getting it done will probably prove quite inconvenient during the trip.