Ready, Set....

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We are a family of four: Randy (Dad), Kathy (Mom), Drew (oldest son-11) and Matt (youngest son-9) that have been planning our “Around the World” trip now for months and months! Though “Dad” has been involved in all the discussion and decision-making regarding the trip we are so sad that he won’t be with us to share all of our experiences first-hand until we reach Southampton England, where he will meet us. My sister, Gail, who lives near Charlotte NC is taking a leave of absence from her work and will be traveling with us on this amazing trip.

The idea for this trip began with an out of the blue email in the fall of 2005—something about going “Around the World in 80 days” on the Queen Mary 2. We don’t know how or why we got this email, but it sure sparked some interest! We must have been destined to do this…. My husband has since beefed up the filters on our computers!

Our trip begins on January 14, 2007 from Memphis, TN and ends on April 2, 2007 when we return to the U.S. We’ll be traveling on two ships (Amsterdam and Queen Mary 2), four airplanes, one train (Chunnel), and probably numerous taxis, shuttles, metros and of course, our feet!

We have only four days until our departure! We are many things at this point: excited, nervous, extremely busy, and not packed. Did I say we were excited? We are definitely EXCITED. Did I say not packed? We are most definitely NOT packed. I am afraid to even call my sister for fear of the transference of even more stress before we leave (smile). We are very much alike. (Never pack before bedtime on the night prior to a departure, anywhere.)

We are new to blogging, very NEW. I never really realized what you have to think about when you write a journal that so many people will read. So, here’s the disclaimer. If we try and make this absolutely perfect, i.e. spelling, grammar, etc. it would NEVER happen. So if occasional typos, format and grammar errors, and perhaps even incomplete thoughts bother you, DON’T READ ANY FURTHER! However, if you can handle paragraphs from our perspectives (a Mom, a sixth grader, a fourth grader and sometimes a sister/aunt) then by all means please follow along with us and share the highs and lows of our three month journey around the world.

Sail away is Monday, January 15, 2007 from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on the Holland America, Amsterdam ship. God willing, we’ll be there!

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Comments

[The Wards]

Bon Voyage
We're excited to see and read about your experiences. Have a great time and be safe. Love you all, The Wards

[ashley poindexter]

Bon Voyage! I am so excited to watch this happen! Godspeed...

[RMV]

Happy Trails!
Have a great trip. We'll check in to see how it's going. May the seas be smooth and memories endless...Becky

[Aunt Anita]

Missed You
Was happy to see a message again. I guess you have been off the ship in Australia. Look forward to hearing what's happeining "Down Under". Hope you are all having a fabulous time. Do the boys miss school? Hockey? Home? I know they must miss their dad. Well, our prayers are with you all for safe travel. Love, Anita

[matt O.]

Hope you are having an awesome trip!!!!!!! I just got back from italy. I hope you had a good time just like me. The plane trip got to me. A 9 hour flight can be really annoying!!!!!!! See you later!!!!!!!!!!!!!