Pack it up, Move it out

So far we have done alot of things to prepare for our trip. I have made list after list to ensure we are maximizing our time and luggage capacity.

For our flight we are allowed 2 checked bags at 50lbs each, a 20lb carry on and a personal item (for the 4 of us with a paid ticket). Colten has an infant ticket, we only paid the taxes on it, and he is allowed a 20 lb checked bag and stroller.

Originally we bought eight 29" bags... I don't know what we were thinking except that they were a great deal! However, I had an epiphany and we took four back and bought four 25" and four 21" bags. Keeping in mind that our apartment may be small, we will be able to max out at our allotted travel weight and also nest the bags inside each other for storage - taking up less space. Here are the bags we purchased. We also used space bags when packing so that we could neatly fit more into each case.

Almost everything is packed and ready to go, we have had to move ounces from one bag to another to ensure that we are hitting the weights just right for each one. It seems like a lot of luggage and weight but let me tell you, when you are packing for a year, you begin to notice how many ounces a pair of socks weigh and what a difference it can make.

We also bought a new stroller, a Graco Urbanlite. Not only will it come in handy at the airport but we expect to need it for getting around the city and going to the market. We chose this one because it is a newer model of the highly reviewed Metrolite. It weighs less than 20lbs, folds flat and has a big under basket. We recently test drove it and it is wonderful - very smooth.

To date we have all had our teeth cleaned (of course it can be done there but we pay insurance here now - and its free), the kids have been updated on any shots needed. We have purchased common medicines and first aid items as well as toiletries - some we need, some we like. My thought is that we can get all of the same items at the Wal Mart in Nanjing but I am not sure we will be up to that experience as soon as we arrive.

The kids are getting alot of great quality time with their grandparents, who have helped us out tremendously by getting the kids out of our way while we do all of this stuff and stress out here & there.

Wow, it's all coming together and we only have a few days until we take off...