25.7.2011 PDX and flight to Seattle

We had a great group to see us off at the airport. There was Steve & Sue, Auntie Joyce, Grandpa Dick and Grandma Bettie, Sarah Overby, Matt & Holly Smucker, Gene & Rainy Takalo with Caleb & Isaac Meyer, and Jonathan Martin. It was crazy for us with all our bags. We had seven check in bags, 2 carseats, 1 pack’n’play, our big chariot stroller, and way too many carry-ons (two computers, diaper bag, backpack, my workbag, Heather’s purse, Stanley’s backpack, ukulele, and a gift bag from the Takalos). When checking in our bags, the lady was very gracious, and the first bag was well under the 50 pound limit, so she had us put that aside to unload other bags, which we ended up doing. After checking in we prayed with our group then headed towards security. At security we said our last good-byes, and then we were off on our own. Going through security we had to unload our whole stroller, pockets, jackets, and shoes then reload and put everything back on. It was an ordeal, but we made it through.

Our little family at the airport, ready to head out on our own.

We went down to our gate which was on a lower level because we only had a little hopper flight. It was packed down below and it was hard to find a place to park ourselves. We finally found a place along the wall. We had bagels and cream cheese from Starbucks because down there the food choices were very limited. We were able to talk a little with another couple from Hillsboro who were off to teach at an International school in Berlin. We had seen them checking in after us. They had two boys and were loaded with stuff as well. Hopefully we’ll be able to connect with them sometime over the next 2 years. As for our family, it was amazing how quickly we are able to become cross with each other. As I write this I can’t even remember what it was about. Perhaps it was because we were tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or all of the above. Fortunately, we were able to pray and refocus on what we were doing and how God had brought us to this point.

Our little spot in PDX waiting for our flight.

When it was close to boarding we made our way to the waiting area. Stanley and Holly loved looking at the airplanes. Unfortunately, there was some delay and when it was time to board they did not let the families with kids board first. Instead, we waited until the end of the line. I then had to fold up the stroller in a hurry, which I got to do many more times. With a little hopper flight, you walk onto the airplane from the ground and we were able to put a couple of our carry ons along with our stroller under the plane. When we got on the plane, of course our seats were at the back, so we bumped past everyone with all of our carry-ons. A few moments later we were off to Seattle.

The actual flight was very short. Because of turbulance there were no snacks on the flight. Stanley was amazing. He looked out the window and looked at the ABC book from the Takalos. Holly was great for the first ¾ of the flight, but the last bit she was fussy. Fortunately, the flight was not long, 45 minutes from take-off to landing, so we did not have to deal with her for very long. We waited to be the last ones off the plane, and were worried about Holly for the second flight. Would she be just as fussy? And Scott was worried about all of our carry-ons and how we would consolidate everything.

Perhaps this is why Holly was fussy on the flight to Seattle.