We’ve really needed a relaxing family vacation for a while, and with time counting down to the big trip, we also need to make sure that the family is up for extended sailing.  Last night, after weeks of thinking about these two items individually a plan popped into my head that married both of these concerns into a harmonic union.

This morning I asked Ruby if she would like to go sailing for the week after Christmas. She asked a bunch of probing questions – “Can I bring my dolls?” and “What will we do about pirates” – and when she was satisfied with the answers, wholeheartedly supported the plan.

Olive was a push over by comparison. As soon as the word ‘sailboat’ passed my lips she started shouting “Take me, Take me” and rushed off to pack her backpack. The only downside is that she then spent the rest of the morning getting very anxious whenever anyone touched her pack :)

So, with a light heart, and no reproach from Vick, I made arrangements to charter a Jeanneau Sunfast 35 out of Marina Del Rey. We’ll sail out to Catalina Island on the 26th and decide what to do from there. We may stay put and enjoy some  gunkholing or head north to Channel Islands National Park. A lot will depend on the kiddos ambition and cooperation.