And so the idea was born.....

Welcome to the Gaetjens family holiday blog. In short, this is where we'll record the fun of our trip to the US.

The idea to travel to the US was not entirely unexpected. Both Bernie & I watch a lot of TV and movies and the desire to see in real life what we see on the screen appealed. But 2 events really set the wheels in motion, going back to 2011.

In August 2011 we met my American step-nephew, who I had a vague awareness of (due to the parental vessels "out of sight, out of mind" philosophy when it comes to family). Well, this young (18 at the time) lad opened my eyes to all the "normal" things I wanted to experience about America. So we vowed, in the none too perceptible future, to try and get over there to visit.
Then, in January 2012, my British-resident cousin offered to host Amy for 5 weeks to see the UK, France & Spain. Being the wonderful, awesome parents we are, how could we say no? OK, so it meant increasing the mortgage, but then.....why not up it a bit more and go to the US?!? Brilliant idea! So it means our daughter has more travel experience than us, but in the long run, who cares?

After Amy's trip away, we set to planning and booking our trip. August 2012 was the US travel expo, and after talking to our travel agent, we decided on flying into LA, then off to South Carolina, then New York. Four weeks in total.

And so began the countdown......286 days until we leave.....

Each passing month bought the trip that bit closer. And so we booked accommodation, and paid for the things we needed to book to see and do.....and we waited and waited and waited....

Then a side trip to Washington sprang up during our time in SC. Four days in the nations capital? Why not!! Something else to look forward to!!

So everything was booked, itinerary's were filled in, options for this that and the other thing discussed at length, and still we waited. June 2 is the big day....the countdown got smaller and smaller.....

So now we are LESS than a week out. To coin child speak, only 6 more sleeps (technically 5, because the night before I'll be equals parts panicked and excited that I fear sleep will elude me....). Our house is on full alert, mental lists are being made, mentally crossed out and mentally remade of what needs to be packed, how it should be packed, where it should be packed, do we need to take it or can we buy it there, why the hell are you taking that, oh I see yes, definitely pack that....in preparation for the end of the week when clothes will be settled on and they will finally be laid in a suitcase.

There will be countless Facebook status updates and photos, there will be lots of photos and video, there will be lots of excitement and fun, but most of all, there will be lots to enjoy, especially a month as a family. No work, no school, no commitments or engagements, just us in the US.

In 137 hours......LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!