February 2002
4:20am: at JFK Airport I woke up this morning at 2:30am to drive Bella to JFK airport. We left at 3:00am and picked up her friend Noah at 3:05am. We left early in case of construction. For the record, there was no construction. Zero. Zilch. Going the speed limit, I got to the airport by 4:10am. These are NOT human hours.
When we left our house, the moon was completely obstructed by clouds. As we drove south to the airport, it became clearer and clearer. Since I was the only one who downed a full cup of coffee, I was insistent that everyone just LOOK AT THE MOON. By the fourth time around, the teens were tired of listening to me.
In February of 2002, we journeyed to Hawaii to herald the final adoption of our nephew, Doug. Bella and Colleen were 4, Peter was 5. They still remember this trip; we ALL remember Jane insisting there was a whale, (or ten), at one o'clock, when, in fact, there was really nothing but waves. Mark my words she will vehemently dispute this in the comments.
And so, 11 years later, armed with two Nikon cameras - one is an underwater camera we bought for the snorkeling pics, Bella is heading on a great adventure. She is traveling a quarter of the way around the world with two of her favorite teachers, three additional teachers, and I believe, 28 students. As they head west to the Pacific ocean and the big island, I suspect she will become better friends with many of the kids on the trip. It is an awesome vacation and she will not be bored for one second.
Bella is already spirited, independent, fun, and delightful. I imagine she will come home a slightly changed version of herself. I am just a bit envious.
Here's to you, Bella. Aloha, my baby!
When we left our house, the moon was completely obstructed by clouds. As we drove south to the airport, it became clearer and clearer. Since I was the only one who downed a full cup of coffee, I was insistent that everyone just LOOK AT THE MOON. By the fourth time around, the teens were tired of listening to me.
In February of 2002, we journeyed to Hawaii to herald the final adoption of our nephew, Doug. Bella and Colleen were 4, Peter was 5. They still remember this trip; we ALL remember Jane insisting there was a whale, (or ten), at one o'clock, when, in fact, there was really nothing but waves. Mark my words she will vehemently dispute this in the comments.
And so, 11 years later, armed with two Nikon cameras - one is an underwater camera we bought for the snorkeling pics, Bella is heading on a great adventure. She is traveling a quarter of the way around the world with two of her favorite teachers, three additional teachers, and I believe, 28 students. As they head west to the Pacific ocean and the big island, I suspect she will become better friends with many of the kids on the trip. It is an awesome vacation and she will not be bored for one second.
Bella is already spirited, independent, fun, and delightful. I imagine she will come home a slightly changed version of herself. I am just a bit envious.
Here's to you, Bella. Aloha, my baby!
As I headed to the airport, I knew I would have to make this the music of the day. We spent many an hour singing this song as kids. Jane & Mom - seriously, how fabulous that we get John and Mama Cass together?!
http://youtu.be/jFbqpo8G_nQ
http://youtu.be/jFbqpo8G_nQ
