Mission critical. Well it is 0630 and we have not packed. Steven and I decided we would go to bed and get a good nights rest and pack this morning. As any good story would have it, I am sure that we will forget something. As far as I am concerned the only things needed: passport, international driving permit, US drivers license, a good book for the flight and credit cards. I tend to be a very relaxed traveler when on vacation. If we forget it, we buy it kind of deal. Everything else is a bonus.

Steven happens to think a lot differently than I. For him items of absolute necessity: shoes (and I mean a lot of them) and no telling how many changes of clothes. The first time we traveled together Steven had an entire suitcase dedicated to shoes. By the time we leave, there will be not one shirt left in this house. We will have packed all our personal belongings as if we were moving and never coming back. This goes directly back to momma diva's #3 concern.....the car being big enough to hold the luggage. She is aware of how Steven packs. But, we love him so we deal. He has list upon list with check marks, diagrams, and hidden messages on items of value for this trip that must make it into the packing ritual.