Pre-trip excitement

It's officially 13 days before the three of us take off for yet another summer long road trip.  I know it is exactly 13 because at about 30 days prior Derek has been texting me the countdown.  The three of us are getting very excited and ready to leave.  I have two more days of school left and then we will be getting things in order so we can leave on the 17th.  Of course our trip this year will be kicked off by a good ole' Ivester family reunion in Gatlinberg, TN.  Hey, at least it is near the Smokies :).  This year, as we take our 1997 Toyota Camry on it's third run there are some worries circulating (mainly by myself and my mother) that the "blue car" won't make it.  In order to prevent this we are getting some royal treatment for the car as of late; e.g. new tires, alignment, radio fixed, oil change...you know the things that are usually neglected on a 14 year old car.  I would think by now Toyota would want us in one of those commercials, you know the ones, and then they would give us a fancy new Prius to more safely go on our trip.  Any Toyota connections out there feel free to send them our info :).  For now we eagerly await books we've ordered on canoeing the Colorado River, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and Judy Bloom (for Ashlin).  This, I can assure you will not be the last "Pre-trip" e-mail as I know for a fact that as soon as I get this done Derek will feel inspired and slightly jealous and will show me up with his fancy words and eloquent speak going in detail about where our trip will take us.  That's ok, sometimes the fire must be lit by whatever means possible.  Peace, Katie.