we're here

whew what a long day.

first of all -- welcome grandma sue to the blog. hopefully you should find out about it shortly!

all in all it was good traveling. we were up late packing, cleaning, and working. and then up early. the complication in getting to the airport is car seats. we can put them in a taxi and where do they go after that if you are not taking them with you? this challenge created a plan in which ruskin drove us to the airport and then went home with the car. meanwhile, i got boarding passes and cleared security with both kids. i also went to the gate and got our seats rearranged as ms k was designated to sit in the exit row all by herself. of course, she is a big girl or older toddler but even for her that might be a stretch. and luckily, i was able to get 4 in a row! then i started feeding the kids breakfast. by then ruskin had driven home and caught a cab back to the airport, gotten through security and met up with us. dad and the kids finished their breakfast and we were off for further adventure.

the next period of time was definitely interesting. first R mentioned 3-4 times that he had to make a BM. of course it was only on the final time that was during the boarding call that it was actual a productive visit to the restroom. once we were on board and settled, it was ms. k's turn. and she had a huge squeezing out of the diaper kind of BM right before takeoff. of course this meant i could not get up and change her diaper. i was reduced to sitting there and wiping away any waste that managed to escape. finally, everyone was cleaned up and they were hungry again. so the kids ate.

the plane ride was relatively smooth after that. k played with the baby in front of her, colored, did stickers, went to the bathroom several times, drank water, and was generally interested. only the last 5 minutes was she fussy and tired. R was wonderful too. he read his books, ate his food, and generally sat without too many reminders to be considerate. so far the best plane trip we have had.

when we arrived in charlotte, grandma sue was waiting for us. the kids were thrilled to see her and vice versa. we all piled into aunt bette's minivan (thanks aunt bette) and headed off to north myrtle beach. the kids settled in, more food and water was distributed, and some cds were played. soon there were nodding heads.
the short version of the rest of the evening is that we reconnected with the desai family. lots of hugs and kisses, stories, and hoorays. pizza was consumed. books were read, kids and others were tucked in. and a lot of groceries were purchased.
all in all a wonderfully smooth travel and arrival day. looking forward to the rest now!