International Travel Part B

After our layover in Dulles, We were on the big plane to Frankfurt. We were lucky to have 3 empty seats in our row! And our in-flight movies were The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Despicable Me, and The Incredibles.

Dinner was pasta or chicken. I got one of each - the chicken was better. Aurora ate her salad and dessert and about 5 bites of the pasta.

Honestly the 2nd flight was uneventful. The stewardesses were VERY nice. There was lots of space to spread out.

The only incident on the plane was that Aurora nipped her finger on the seat belt... one band-aide later (thanks Kristin for suggesting I take some along) and she was good to go! All we needed on the flight this time were the crayons and paper, teddy bear and bed-time-book.  I didn't get out the super secret back up toys (Iron man and Buzz Lightyear) or the Magnadoodle/ auqadoodle.

Aurora slept from about 9 our time till 7 Germany time (that's about 3 hours.) I didn't sleep... I never can sleep on a flight. So after this is done, I'm going to get us both gathered up, close the shutters, and take a nap!

We got through the airport with out any issues, all the way to the gate where we were going to be meeting the Mabes's (Mabes'? Mabeses? How DO I pluralize or make my last name possessive?!)

This is where the trip got ugly (for a few minutes)....

Picture me, with Aurora wearing her back pack, Me pushing the stroller, my super sized backpack in the stroller - gathering my luggage (2 LARGE suitcases and one small one).
I'm at the Baggage claim, I get a trolley, and then get all the bags on it - just to realize that I cannot maneuver the trolley and stroller at the same time....


So in my moment of genius... I fold the stroller and put it on the trolley. I let Aurora get on the end of the trolley and hold tight... and we are off.... all is well - we walk through this door and that door and then ... just as I think "man this trip has been awesome!"


CRASH

I hit a bump. And down falls the stroller.... taking Aurora with it. She lands face-first on the pavement, with the stroller on top of her. ugh. But not to worry, she's not injured (just her pride was)

We met up with Grammie and Granddad - and have arrived safely at home :)



Now about that Nap.... There are a couple of us who need one desperately!

-M

International Travel Part A

So far, so Good.

We were up around 6:00am today. Then we were out of the house by 7am and on our way to Nashville. Traffic was good on our way down (thank goodness!) and we made it to the airport by 7:50.

Once we got there, we couldn't find a place remotely close to park, so that John could walk in with us. We drove around the airport loop probably 5 times... until we finally decided we would chance parking at the 'unloading' bay. BUT you can't leave your car unattended... so John still couldn't walk in with us.... and there was the small issue of unloading and getting myself, Aurora and our luggage into the airport all at the same time. This proved impossible. Luckily John had the brilliant idea to let me go check in, and check our bags - while he and Aurora guarded the car.

BRILLIANT MAN!

Yet when I got to the desk, I find out we aren't allowed 2 bags each (ludicrous! if you ask me - its an international flight! you should get 2 bags per ticked seat.) oh well. I paid the fee to take that bag along.

So after that we get on the plane, and Aurora does great! She was thrilled to be flying, and to be OVER the clouds! She did get a little bored on the hour long flight, there was no movie on that one, but we colored and read a book...

We only lost one crayon on that flight. That makes it was a huge success in my opinion! The poor purple crayon will be forever missed...

The decent was rough, for Aurora, she kept sticking her fingers in her ear.... and then I thought "Ah HA" and gave her a sucker - then all was well again.

Our Layover in Dulles is around 4 or 5 hours, so I haven't been rushed at all to get anyplace. I'm really glad I scheduled this break. Aurora and I had lunch, and coffee, then I bought some internet access and we played movies on Sesame Street. She napped, I relaxed (and played scrabble online with my mom), its been good. We will board our next flight in about an hour.

Aurora did wake up singing "I have to Poop, I have to Poop" She is so funny! (No, Really, I do think that is funny. This is the reason I am sharing that tidbit with you.)

There have been some interesting people walking through the airport today too - people watching is good sport here. There have been at least 15 preachers/pastors/white collar men of faith come through (i think there is a convention or maybe a huge mission?) there are 3 men in socks and sandals under long black robes, with thick black belts, long beards, and black hats. I tried 'googling' that description of a person and found nothing - and I'm too chicken as of yet to walk up and ask them what affiliation they have/are. There have been 4 very very hurried frazzled people that were late for their flight to Tokyo (but they made it!phew!)

So far so good, and we are checking into our next flight momentarily...

look for an update once we arrive!
-M

More of the 2010 Scrap Book....

 March 2010

I'm not sure yet how to turn these photos the other direction. but I am working on figuring that out. 

June 2010