For several months we’ve known about our trip to Maui next week. People have been asking if I’m getting excited yet and so far it just doesn’t seem real…so I haven’t been too excited about it. But last night Zale and I started packing and it finally started to sink in. I’ve got lists made of what to pack, lists made of last minute shopping that needs to be done, lists made of things to do before we leave, etc. So I know we’re literally days away from going, I’ve got my schedule nearby and travel plans saved on my desktop and e mailed to anyone who needs them. My electronic boarding pass or whatever it is we need to check in at the airport is already in my purse.

Even though it’s finally sinking in, it still feels a bit too surreal. This will be mine and Zale’s first real vacation anywhere. We’ve done a couple of road trips here and there, but never alone. Our honeymoon was just a few nights at a local hotel. We’ve never even seen the beach together. I feel incredibly blessed that our first trip to the beach after all these years will be Maui of all places! We’ve not even managed to make it to Florida or Gulf Shores in the 6 years we’ve been married. That’s what law school and starting a law practice will do, and that’s okay, I know the long term out weighs the short term sacrifices. It will even be our first time to travel by plane together.

I am feeling incredibly blessed, grateful, and humbled that Zale (and I) were given this opportunity. My family has been amazing and without their help Zale would be going alone. I think the excitement is finally starting to creep in….thank you again Dad, Mom & Andy for everything you all have done to make it possible for me to go too! And thank you in advance, Mom & Andy, for taking the kids while we’re away. I know they’ll have a great time and Hannah is excited that she gets to say at your house for “a long time while we on the airplane.” I miss them already!

Maui…here we come!