packing

Tesla is healthy and back to herself. We head to Tokyo tomorrow morning. For quite some time, I've been talking to her about 飛行機・hikoki (airplane) and how we'll go see Obaachan and Ojiichan in 日本・Nihon　（Japan). She talks back about it, but I'm not sure she fully understands.

She is, however, undeniably　excited. When I brought out the suitcases, she was thrilled, insisting on helping to pack. I brought out the stuff we're bringing (including gifts for work-related clients), and she piled them into the suitcases.

After she went to bed, I took everything out to really pack. I found, in addition to what I originally brought out, our car keys, tons of Tesla's hairbands, various pencils and items from around the living room, and several toys T brought from her room. So kind...but I had to exclude those.

Since it's such a long journey from Narita to my parents' home, I have 1 suitcase delivered home from Narita. This service is popular and I love it. The suitcase arrives the next day by 10am is so much better than lugging it across Tokyo. But I have to pack carefully, making sure my carry-on has all I need until the big one arrives. I also have tons of activities, toys, snacks, etc. for Tesla so need to make sure they are accessible. Packing is more than stuffing things wherever. I plan when I'll need things and pack according to that.

Anyhow, I found it cute how eager Tesla was to help. She's been waiting for this day. This will be her 5th trip, but the last one was a bit over a year ago, and she's so much more aware now. I bet it will be memorable to get on the plane, sit in her very own seat, get served, then get off in Nihon!