More than a Road Trip.....

I have always had a deep affection for this little guy....

....and for the dear lady that wrote these stories.  

 Lately I have been reading this "grown up" version 

....and always longing to see where she had lived. 

Big Surprise.....

we are OFF to London to see the Queen, 

and to visit Hilltop Farm, the home of Beatrix Potter. 

I have been beyond excited. 

 Days and days of planning and dreaming.

I was SEW excited that I even found this fabric and made this bag!!!!

Then ( because I got LOTS of this fabric) I made all sorts of bitty bags.

Some to hold my glasses, sunglasses, passport, IPOD, 

and all the other things that you can think of!!!

FYI....the Cath Kidston ribbon was something I had been saving.

Seeing her shop is also on the top of my list of things to do.

Everyone has been sharing my excitement.  

My sweet students created a travel bag for me FULL of goodies to enjoy on the trip.

From the practical ( maps ), to the fun ( sexy nightwear ) to the funny ( just read the envelopes)!!!!

Such fun and all very much appreciated. 

The kids got us so many wonderful gifties....each so very heartfelt and practical too.

I LOVE the luggage tags ( though it will tug at my heart when I see those faces),

 and the travel diary to document the trip.  

The touching card from my Mom, 

 and the wonderful CD of Irish music ( yes, we are off to Ireland too)!!!!

So I place this special button on my bag

 to remind me of this incredible blessing in our lives.....

Final touches.... a ladybug on the pull for luck,

 and the teeny footprints to remind me of my little ones 

who I will be anxious to hug when we are home again.