Coming to America

I spent a lot of time preparing for our trip to Utah. 

I shopped, and stocked the house with everything I felt like Justin could possibly need while we were gone. I made two weeks worth of freezer meals with instructions for each one. 

I wasn't sure what the weather would be like in Salt Lake, so I spent time packing and preparing beforehand to make sure the kids were outfitted for any climate. I made an appointment with the doctor to make sure we were fit to fly, and just before the trip I got a spring cleaning bug, and had to make sure the house was ship shape from top to bottom. 

It seemed like the countdown went fast, and before I knew it we were leaving in the morning. 

I laid there that night wondering if I would be able to fall asleep over my excitement, anxiety, and anticipation. 

I didn't really want to leave Justin behind, (this would be the longest time we had ever been apart) but I REALLY didn't want to be here for the last 2 weeks of his finals. I don't like any time spent away from him, but the finals did me in... 

Our flight was to leave at 6 am, so when 3 in the morning rolled around the alarm clock rang and we were on our way. 

The first leg of the journey went as expected. Tired and hungry kids wondering what on earth is going on, and their mother trying to get through customs, and security alone. 

Off with the shoes. Computers out and in their own bins. Any and all liquids, or medications visible, and in plastic bags. Hang onto crying kids, while trying to fold an enormous double stroller in half and place in on the conveyor belt. Walk through security, and then pack it all back up. 

It wasn't even 5 am, and I was already wondering 'how am I going to do this, and what am I thinking?'

I will say, the kids were doing great considering the circumstances. It was just a lot to manage right from the get go. 

At the airport you see it all. There are the people who will be helpful, and the people who could care less about helping you even though it's their job. And then you have people who are just plain grouchy, and in an awful mood. I met many of them this particular morning bright and early. 

There is nothing that can top off the morning better than the looks you get when you walk onto an airplane with two toddlers in your arms. 

                                                                                       Priceless. 

First stop... JFK.

We were supposed to be laid over in JFK for 3 hours, so as soon as we got off the plane I took the kids to the washroom, fed them, and then let the run around and play. My plan was to have them worn out by the time we were to board the next flight. The should sleep all the way to Salt Lake - like magic! 

When Delta began announcing our plane had maintenance trouble, I knew right away we were going to have to make a change of plans. 

I called Justin right away, and told him to communicate with my family waiting to pick us up in Salt Lake because our flight scheduled to leave originally at 11 was now delayed. 

Long, JFK layover story, short - employees and passengers were more accommodating and kind to us then was even necessary. They catered to me while we waited. The kids eventually fell asleep in the stroller. I couldn't keep them awake any longer. The slept until it was time to board. I spent way too much money at the airport pay phone, and then we finally left the runway at 4. 

The kids had been outstanding. People had been so amazingly sweet. We were just a bit behind schedule, but now on our way to Salt Lake! We were all a complete and total mess, but we were doing our best. 

For the next 4 hours I pulled every magic trick I could think of out of my hat to keep the kids entertained. They snacked, crawled all over me, played, colored, and watched movies. When one needed to be changed we trekked our trio to the back of the plain, and squeezed into the tiny laboratories. I never realized before this trip just how small that space really is. 

Scotlin fell asleep in my arms, and Miley played a game with a darling young girl sitting next to her, who was also traveling alone. I tried to close my eyes, but then I'd remember that it was just ME on watch with the kids. So, I'd think about my family to stay awake, and try to believe that I was on my way to see them! It was only a short matter of time now! 

When I thought of being in Utah, I pictured warmth and sunshine, and being with my family, it wasn't until I glanced out the window as I felt the plane dissent when I saw...

 MOUNTAINS! 

Glorious! Glorious! Mountains! 

How could I have forgotten?!?! 

I couldn't take my eyes off of those Rockies, or the smile off my face. 

My heart instantly felt so warm. 

It was that feeling of coming home. 

And then, before we knew it, we made it! 

This is a feeling that is hard to put into words, but I'd travel ANY distance, OVER, and OVER again for this moment alone.

It's still kind of unreal to me that I can spend a day in an airplane and end up in Salt Lake City. 

We are grateful beyond description to have the opportunity to come! 

We have been looking forward to spending every minute with the ones we love!

" A Man travel the world in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." -George Moore 

Welcome Home.