Once we got to the airport, we quickly discovered one luggage cart would not be enough. Eric worked his magic and got everything to fit on two carts. Check in went as fast as it can with two carts of luggage (thanks to Eric's "Platinum" status we got priority treatment everywhere from checking in to security and boarding as well as with our luggage. We even got Economy "comfort" seats free.). We were concerned that some pieces would go over the 50 lbs limit, but we were good. One was 49 lbs. I would also like to point out that Eric's suitcase was heavier than mine. Ha! He might point out he had almost all the toiletries ;-)
The flight was almost 11 hours and the kids did great. Once we got settled in and they could look at all the secret fun in their backpacks, the kids were happy. The leapsters and games and movies on the ipod/iphone helped a little too ;).
The kids waiting and looking at airplanes while Eric got us some coffee beverages.
Ethan was excited about flying, but is not a huge fan of take-off. He wanted to hold Eric's hand and my hand too. We pretended we were on the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. Once we were up, he felt much better.
All smiles now
Striking a pose for the camera
Surprise! Imagine our delight when ice cream sandwiches came the aisle! Yippee! That's me enjoying my treat and watching one of THREE movies! When was the last time THAT happened. =)
We were a bit tired, but we made it through immigration! Somewhere in Japan they now have my digital fingerprints and retinal scan. No mischief for me! A worker must have seen how tired the kids looked and motioned us to skip to the front of a special line and we got right through!
In our last post we mentioned we had some "travel mercies". After about 16 hours of traveling with the kids (and our bodies telling us it was now midnight at home) we loaded up the luggage. In our tired state (and with so much luggage to count up) we missed one suitcase which was full of books, games, crafts, and such. As we walked away a kind worker jogged up to us asking us (in Japanese) if this was our suitcase. We were SO thankful to have all our luggage after narrowly avoiding missing some for the second time in one day!
We ended up with all of it and after Eric loaded up two carts again, we headed for customs. We were wondering if they might give us a funny look, but they saw we were there for a month and didn't hassle us.
5 comments:
Love reading your posts, Sarah! I'm with Ethan on airplane take-offs...they are not my favorite thing. It looks like you and Eric prepared so well for this trip and that it will be a family memory for years to come. You are thought of daily!
Jo
You are doing such a good job of taking us with you through these pictures and also for your family records (: Amen...for traveling mercies. You are so right. Every detail was covered and being covered. Loved the picture of Ethan holding Eric's hand and wanting to hold yours too. We are never to old to do that. All the pictures tell a story! I'm smiling and thankful for each of you.
Amor siempre con abrasos !
Great post, Sarah! So, so glad the plane went smoothly and that your bag found it's way back to you. Traveling mercies, indeed. :). All that luggage is hilarious! Love to all!
PS. Ice cream sandwiches, what?!
Sarah, you must be so proud of your kiddos! That's a tough trip for grownups! I agree with Jo, you look so prepared! I remember packing treasures for our kids on our treks to Montana. Well done, Mom!
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