packing packing and more packing

Well, the time is close and packing has become my full time job the past few days. It is amazing how much stuff you accumulate in just a few months. I think we will end up taking all 8 bags that we are allowed back to China with us. I was excited to discover that Air Canada allows lap infants (with no seat) 2 bags! I have about 7 going at the moment but am allowing an overflow bag for when we try the scales. I am pretty sure at least a few of them will tip the 50 pound limit. What can you possibly pack in 8 whole bags? More than you would think. My list includes many things, such as...

books, lots of books (we love books and you just can't get many books, especially children's books and especially cheap books from used bookstores, in China. Eventually I probably should buy a Kindle),
lots of wheat germ (for our morning granola),
toiletries and medicines,
Bath and Body Works hand soap (this is my most ridiculous and extravagant item I think. Just something about it makes my home feel more homey. But SO unnecessary),
T-ball set and lefty baseball gloves for Chris and Austin and a big, heavy wooden bat that may or may not get cut at the last minute,
clothes (both what we came with and some hand-me-downs for the next year)
grill basket (i am hopeful we will get a grill now that we are first floor dwellers)
new, BPA-free plastic cups and bowls for kids
a couple pots and pans (wedding gifts we have never used- finally making their way into my home)
and on it goes.

We also became lovers of Craig's List this summer, buying no less than a stroller, computer and Iphone off of it. The funny thing was we bought the computer from a Chinese student and the phone from a Turkish student. Chris joked we should start an international student's craig's list ministry.

I am trying to pack ahead but there are so many things you just cannot pack until the last minute. Well, back to packing!