"Home" Stretch

We move onto our boat in 3.5 weeks.  I try not to panic when I think of all that must be done - especially including boat repair completion!  We're waiting for parts to come in before we can put the mast, boom and rigging back on (not to mention reinstalling the cabinets in the galley).

Things are going well.  The children have their organizing guru, Granny, helping them get their rooms in order.  They've packed quite a bit already.  They're happily finishing school for the year and are helping their us with house preparations (like hauling rocks back to the backyard).

The backyard completion is in sight - all the pipes/hoses are laid for subterranean irrigation and some mulch has been put down.  I promise a picture when its complete.

I'm experimenting with recipes of food that stores well (lentils, rice, etc.).  We're eating a lot more "from scratch" foods and expect we'll do even more of that as we making cruising a full-time endeavor.

We're all using "DuoLingo" to either learn or brush up on Spanish, and are working the order for the homeschool curriculum.

Some people have asked me how we'll keep the kids from getting bored.  First, I think its good for them to have to figure out how to entertain themselves.  Second, my kids are pretty creative and already entertain themselves fairly well.  I just have to tolerate a certain amount of 'fort building' or craft endeavors.  However, each of us is taking an instrument and music, plenty of books and art supplies.  We'll even have our sewing machine for repairs and any creative endeavors.  I expect the kids to be part of the crew- meaning that they'll cook and clean and help sail.  Before we leave, we'll have the bicycles at the dock so there will be lots of biking.