The Journey Begins- preparing for the trip

June 7,2009. So I guess I am officially a blogger with this being my first blog. Thanks to MaryKate for her guidance through this new experience, because I would never have gotten it started or off the ground.
I wanted to recount my daily going on's while I take this trip back to Ireland with my wife (Julie), our middle son (Brendan), our youngest (MaryKate). Our oldest son Sean, has decided to stay back and finish some classes at Ohio State. Sean we all wish you were coming with us.It's still not too late.
Besides my own family, my siblings are going with their respective families. My father who will be 83 this September was the one to present the idea to all of us. Although I am the only one of my siblings never to visit the land from which my Mother, Father, and oldest brother come from, for one reason or another. Maybe this time has a stronger reason for me to be a part of this adventure. Perhaps it's a reason to spend time with my Dad, sisters, brother and their children. Maybe it's my mother voice I keep hearing telling me to go with them. It never seemed that important at the time, but it sure does now.
Let me tell you a little bit about my traveling companions. My oldest sister Colette has two sons. Conall, a college grad out on his own and in his early 20's, his brother Padraic just graduated high school and planning to attend college this fall.
My youngest sister Sheila and her two daughters. The oldest is Alicia and is currently attending LaSalle University quiet and reserved, then there is Moira, heading to her first year of high school this fall, and just like my sister full of life and ready to go all the time. Shelia's husband Ben just started a new job at the University of Penn and won't be able to join us. (Ben I will surly miss your company)
Eamon is my younger brother, a person that doesn't take life too seriously and enjoys a good laugh all the time. Terrie is coming if she can get all her luggage on the plane, but she needs to come because she keeps my brother grounded. Eamon's youngest son Dan wants to be a part of this pilgrimage also.
So you can see from the count of 14 different personalities this should be some trip. You may want check in everyday to stay up with what may unfold.
We don't leave for seven more days, but the adventure has begun. The chatter from certain members wondering how in the world they are going to get 50 pounds of clothes in one suit case. And some of this moaning and groaning is coming from my own family. I am sure I will have some tales to tell next Sunday June 14, 2009 when we all meet at the Newark, New Jersey airport. Before our trans-Atlantic flight to Northern Ireland. Like I said earlier, I plan to post some of our highlights each day.
So come and join the McHugh's on this journey home, it's sure to entertain. Perhaps along the way we will get to know each other a little better and I will get see all the wonderful places my mother spoke about.