Ok...12 days until departure. I just received word that my work visa has been approved, but I now get to wait for direction on when to mail/hand deliver the documents to the consulate in Chicago. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can express mail the materials and that will be sufficient. A trip to Chicago the week before leaving the country is not high on my list of wants. I still want to drive to Staples to see the farm before going--I know, silly, but nostalgia is kicking in I guess you would say. Still downsizing the suitcases, but we are happy to report that Sierra successfully managed to fit all her remaining toys into her carryon bag...Lucky girl!