Amy dropped her phone in the toilet. We were getting ready to leave, and I noticed her drying her iPhone with a towel. She was happy to say that it would turn on, but there was no sound. I grabbed her phone and headed to the pantry where I immediately plunged the phone in to a container of rice. She was a lot dismayed that it needed to stay in the rice for 24 hours.
That was the bad news. The good news? It works still, sound and all, thanks to her wonderful dad. Together they took the phone apart and made sure that it was completely dry on the inside. Balance restored.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Sunrise
I just love the view from my kitchen. Sometimes I am treated to a picturesque sky twice a day!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Snow Day
It didn't take much coaxing from Christopher. When he suggested that the girls come play in the snow with him and Max (our 4-wheeler), they were dressed and ready to go in no time at all.
He rigged up a tow rope and pulled the girls behind Max down by the lake. I think they had frozen limbs by the time they came back in, but they were having so much fun they didn't want to stop.
He rigged up a tow rope and pulled the girls behind Max down by the lake. I think they had frozen limbs by the time they came back in, but they were having so much fun they didn't want to stop.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Christmas Day
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love that my girls love Christmas. I love that they have caught the spirit of gifting and surprises. Amy follows in my footsteps a little more than the others. I love that she doesn't snoop. She doesn't want to ruin anything.
Christmas morning dawned early for me. I was up to exercise and shower before the girls were up. I think Amy pretended that I woke her up, but was really awake. It didn't take much to get everyone out of bed--ok, maybe Chris was a little slow, but since he brings the girls down the stairs, they weren't letting him stay in bed.
We had a lovely time opening presents. We wanted to get our girls "practical" gifts this year. They didn't really need more toys and stuff. Instead, they all got furniture for their rooms.
Christmas morning dawned early for me. I was up to exercise and shower before the girls were up. I think Amy pretended that I woke her up, but was really awake. It didn't take much to get everyone out of bed--ok, maybe Chris was a little slow, but since he brings the girls down the stairs, they weren't letting him stay in bed.
We had a lovely time opening presents. We wanted to get our girls "practical" gifts this year. They didn't really need more toys and stuff. Instead, they all got furniture for their rooms.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Christmas Eve
There was a little last-minute shopping today, present wrapping, and cooking. The girls were fantastic at helping me cook for Christmas dinner so that I didn't have quite so much to do on Christmas day. Amy and Misha made our pumpkin dessert. Kristen helped with the creamsicle jell-o and chocolate pie. I made rolls. So great to have girls that will help.
Chris and Misha and Kristen headed out later in the afternoon to pass out some neighbor/friend gifts. He wasn't able to deliver all of the gifts--a popcorn cup, package of microwave popcorn, and a redbox code.
We headed to dinner at Johns around 5 pm with rolls, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes. Jamie always sets a wonderful table and our kids enjoyed the time with friends. We had a gift exchange for the smaller kids and a White Elephant gift exchange for the older kids and adults.
As we returned home, the girls were excited to begin with the final Christmas Eve tradition of bringing all of the wrapped presents out to place them under the tree. I usually keep most of them stashed in a cupboard until Christmas Eve, and it has turned in to a fun tradition to see the presents piling up.
I did have some gifts already under the tree this year. I think that was a mistake. First, there was the child who counted the gifts under the tree and lamented that there were only two for her. Then, kids checked out the packages and I often heard, "I know what this is!" Don't ruin surprises. That's the cardinal rule for Christmas. So next year, very few packages will be under the tree for perusal before Christmas Eve.
Chris had the "big" presents to bring in. We talked with Santa this year and told him that his presents to the girls were going to be downsized and the "big" presents were going to be from mom and dad this year.
Chris and Misha and Kristen headed out later in the afternoon to pass out some neighbor/friend gifts. He wasn't able to deliver all of the gifts--a popcorn cup, package of microwave popcorn, and a redbox code.
We headed to dinner at Johns around 5 pm with rolls, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes. Jamie always sets a wonderful table and our kids enjoyed the time with friends. We had a gift exchange for the smaller kids and a White Elephant gift exchange for the older kids and adults.
As we returned home, the girls were excited to begin with the final Christmas Eve tradition of bringing all of the wrapped presents out to place them under the tree. I usually keep most of them stashed in a cupboard until Christmas Eve, and it has turned in to a fun tradition to see the presents piling up.
I did have some gifts already under the tree this year. I think that was a mistake. First, there was the child who counted the gifts under the tree and lamented that there were only two for her. Then, kids checked out the packages and I often heard, "I know what this is!" Don't ruin surprises. That's the cardinal rule for Christmas. So next year, very few packages will be under the tree for perusal before Christmas Eve.
Chris had the "big" presents to bring in. We talked with Santa this year and told him that his presents to the girls were going to be downsized and the "big" presents were going to be from mom and dad this year.
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Christmas Eve Eve
So, our traditional Christmas Eve dinner was bumped to Christmas Eve Eve as our friends, the Johns, had invited us for dinner on Christmas Eve. Chris, unfortunately, was feeling pretty crappy still. Some of our children were a little upset over our change of plans and not sticking to Christmas tradition when we left Christopher home and headed out to Pinocchio's for dinner instead of all together at Olive Garden.
We did come home to spend the rest of the evening with Chris and watched five or six Mormon Messages about the birth of the Savior. After that, we opened the gifts from our family gift exchange. I think I have had Misha's name two years in a row and Kristen has had mine that often as well.
Kristen came up with a fun gift idea--Punch-a-Present. I helped her a little with the design and wrapping. She filled five cups with gifts and each family member got a chance to punch out the paper to find a present. Chris was the lucky one who found $10!
We tucked Chris back in bed and the girls dispersed to watch their own shows. I wasn't making a big deal about what time most of them went to bed. Kristen, I tried to have in bed by 10 pm.
We did come home to spend the rest of the evening with Chris and watched five or six Mormon Messages about the birth of the Savior. After that, we opened the gifts from our family gift exchange. I think I have had Misha's name two years in a row and Kristen has had mine that often as well.
Kristen came up with a fun gift idea--Punch-a-Present. I helped her a little with the design and wrapping. She filled five cups with gifts and each family member got a chance to punch out the paper to find a present. Chris was the lucky one who found $10!
We tucked Chris back in bed and the girls dispersed to watch their own shows. I wasn't making a big deal about what time most of them went to bed. Kristen, I tried to have in bed by 10 pm.
Chris Got It Too!
I think he thought he was home free after missing all of our stomach flu germs. Sadly, he started feeling crappy Monday night, threw up three or four times by midnight, and languished for the next couple of days. We all hoped that he would be back up to snuff by Christmas Day. It has been a nasty cold and flu season for so many in our town. At least every family has had at least one sickie, if not more, and some families multiple times. We are ready to be healthy now.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Husky Howlers
Kristen is part of a singing group for 4th and 5th grade students at her school. She had a performance during school on Friday and asked if I would come. As I arrived, the students were filing into the gym. So noisy. The group sang five or six songs and had the rest of the student body join in on a few. At the very end, the music teacher said, "And now we have a special guest...." and immediately you could hear, "Santa" being whispered around. The curtains to the stage opened and in walked....Mr. Liddle. He had been the principal since Amy started in 3rd/4th grade but had retired last Spring. It was with a lot of sadness among the parents and students. He was the glue that made the school so strong.
The current principal, DR. Jirrik, was absent with a sick child or was sick herself, so MR. Liddle came to fill in. The gym erupted in loud applause from students and parents alike as he walked across the stage. Such a neat man. And he was here to not only give support but also to take a pie to the face. It was promised to the kids if they surpassed their fundraising goal, a few select teachers would take a pie to the face. Sure wish he could have stayed at the school until Kristen moved on.
The current principal, DR. Jirrik, was absent with a sick child or was sick herself, so MR. Liddle came to fill in. The gym erupted in loud applause from students and parents alike as he walked across the stage. Such a neat man. And he was here to not only give support but also to take a pie to the face. It was promised to the kids if they surpassed their fundraising goal, a few select teachers would take a pie to the face. Sure wish he could have stayed at the school until Kristen moved on.
The Stomach Flu
Last Sunday (Dec 14), Kristen was supposed to be on her way to bed. She came in to our bedroom complaining that her stomach hurt and that she didn't feel very great. I told her to go grab a bowl and keep it by her bed. Around 11:30 pm, I heard the tell-tale sounds of barfing and was out of bed in a flash.
Chris had to leave the next day for the East Coast and endeavored to stay as far away from germs as possible. I kind of slept on the love seat in the loft throughout the night and every couple of hours headed to Kristen's room as I heard more vomiting. Poor thing. You know when you get to the point that there just isn't anything left to throw up yet your body goes through the motions anyhow? Yeah. Not fun. After an event-filled, germ-ridden night, I woke up early to an unsettled stomach. NOOOOOO. How is that even fair?
The next time I headed in to Kristen's room, she wasn't barfing anymore, but still wasn't feeling great. I had an attack of the whoozies and sat down on her bed. She handed me her barf bowl, and I pushed it back thinking I would be okay. Another round of nausea rolled over me and she pushed the bowl back in my lap. And this time she scooted over to the far side of the bed and turned her back. Seriously, after all I did for her during the night? I know. I know. Some people can't even handle the sight or sound of other people throwing up.
The girls and Chris got Amy and Misha off to school and he headed to the basement to work and stay away from us. My stomach just got progressively worse throughout the day. I can not throw up easily. By the end of the day, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, trying to throw up. Kristen had moved to my room so that we could keep an eye on each other. She totally redeemed herself as she moved next to me and started rubbing my back, "It's okay, Mommy. You can do it. Keep trying." So sweet.
About 1:40 am that night, I heard more barfing. Crap! That meant it was either Amy or Misha. As I pulled myself out of bed, I found Amy hunched over the toilet. I rubbed her back for a bit until I could no longer handle standing or the aroma. I retrieved Kristen's bowl and set it in Amy's room.
She did not need this. It was Tuesday morning and she had finals starting Wednesday morning.
That afternoon, Misha arrived home from school, said a breezy "hello," and shut herself in her room. Even going so far as stuffing a blanket at the bottom of the door to block the possibility of any germs entering. She was successful and came out of the week unscathed.
It was with a lot of prayers and faith that Amy left the house Wednesday morning. She wasn't feeling great, but good enough to go take finals.
Chris had to leave the next day for the East Coast and endeavored to stay as far away from germs as possible. I kind of slept on the love seat in the loft throughout the night and every couple of hours headed to Kristen's room as I heard more vomiting. Poor thing. You know when you get to the point that there just isn't anything left to throw up yet your body goes through the motions anyhow? Yeah. Not fun. After an event-filled, germ-ridden night, I woke up early to an unsettled stomach. NOOOOOO. How is that even fair?
The next time I headed in to Kristen's room, she wasn't barfing anymore, but still wasn't feeling great. I had an attack of the whoozies and sat down on her bed. She handed me her barf bowl, and I pushed it back thinking I would be okay. Another round of nausea rolled over me and she pushed the bowl back in my lap. And this time she scooted over to the far side of the bed and turned her back. Seriously, after all I did for her during the night? I know. I know. Some people can't even handle the sight or sound of other people throwing up.
The girls and Chris got Amy and Misha off to school and he headed to the basement to work and stay away from us. My stomach just got progressively worse throughout the day. I can not throw up easily. By the end of the day, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, trying to throw up. Kristen had moved to my room so that we could keep an eye on each other. She totally redeemed herself as she moved next to me and started rubbing my back, "It's okay, Mommy. You can do it. Keep trying." So sweet.
About 1:40 am that night, I heard more barfing. Crap! That meant it was either Amy or Misha. As I pulled myself out of bed, I found Amy hunched over the toilet. I rubbed her back for a bit until I could no longer handle standing or the aroma. I retrieved Kristen's bowl and set it in Amy's room.
She did not need this. It was Tuesday morning and she had finals starting Wednesday morning.
That afternoon, Misha arrived home from school, said a breezy "hello," and shut herself in her room. Even going so far as stuffing a blanket at the bottom of the door to block the possibility of any germs entering. She was successful and came out of the week unscathed.
It was with a lot of prayers and faith that Amy left the house Wednesday morning. She wasn't feeling great, but good enough to go take finals.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Kristen's Dance Recital
Kristen has been taking a Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical dance class this Fall. She loves it. Her class performed for a Christmas Recital on December 13. This was her warm up.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Misha's Band Concert
December is the month for concerts along with everything else we need to fit in to our schedules. Misha had a concert on Amy's birthday. I had hoped to have Misha to the school by 6:10. Unfortunately Amy and Allie had a driving mishap that kind of slowed us down as I needed to help there, and then drop Kristen off at a friend's for a Christmas program practice. Chris was driving home from the airport and would go help Amy as soon as he arrived home. Misha arrived at the school at 6:29. I had to park a couple of blocks away and when I finally walked in to the gym, there was standing room only. The good news, the concert wasn't very long.
Amy and Allie were taken care of, and I was able to pick Kristen up from the church after her practice.
I love that I can always pick Misha out in a crowd.
Amy and Allie were taken care of, and I was able to pick Kristen up from the church after her practice.
I love that I can always pick Misha out in a crowd.
Amy's Birthday
It was an early start to Amy's day even on her birthday. I surprised her with two dozen roses and, of course, birthday candles in her oatmeal. Let me just say, candles in oatmeal don't work very well at all. And, I bought a bunch of new candle numbers, and forgot to get a #1. We'll still be needing one of those for awhile.
Amy was thrilled when I showed up at school to pick her up for lunch date and headed to her favorite place: Chick-fil-A. She tried to persuade me not to take her back to school afterward, but she has already missed so much school...
Amy was thrilled when I showed up at school to pick her up for lunch date and headed to her favorite place: Chick-fil-A. She tried to persuade me not to take her back to school afterward, but she has already missed so much school...
Lunch with Kristen
I thought it would be fun to join Kristen for a "holiday" lunch at school on Wednesday. When I told her Wednesday morning that I was going to come, I thought she would be thrilled. Instead I heard, "Do I have to eat that food? Can I just take my own lunch?" Thinking how bad can it be, I said that yes, she would get to eat the food. She wasn't too thrilled.
So, when I showed up at the school and saw the food and then tasted it, I realized why she won't ever eat at school anymore. Not even on pizza day.
We had tasteless mashed potatoes, chipped turkey in gravy, peppered beans, a roll, a small apple, and spice cake. We both enjoyed the spice cake. As I looked around, I spied a dad who had brought McDonalds for his child. I believe I will be bringing our lunch the next time I have lunch at the school.
So, when I showed up at the school and saw the food and then tasted it, I realized why she won't ever eat at school anymore. Not even on pizza day.
We had tasteless mashed potatoes, chipped turkey in gravy, peppered beans, a roll, a small apple, and spice cake. We both enjoyed the spice cake. As I looked around, I spied a dad who had brought McDonalds for his child. I believe I will be bringing our lunch the next time I have lunch at the school.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
She's 15!
So hard to believe that my little girl is growing up so fast. Life with Amy over the last 15 years has held so many treasured moments.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Grandma Andrews' Memorial
We celebrated Grandma Andrews' life on Saturday. Chris' dad, her son, had put a lot of time and effort into creating a memorial that would celebrate the wonderful lady that Betty was. We are grateful that we had so many opportunities to spend time with her as our girls have grown up. I never had the chance to know my great grandmothers and feel my daughters have been immensely blessed to have Grandma Andrews in their life. The memorial was held in the chapel of The Citadel in Mesa, AZ where Grandma had lived since moving from the Mt. Shasta area of California.
Larry (her son), Chris, and Kevin (who had flown in from Thailand) shared touching memories, music, and home videos. A few of the attendants from the care facility attended and shared some funny and thoughtful memories as well. She was a loved lady. Mostly because she was so pleasant to be around and had such a fun sense of humor.
At 2:15, our group headed outside for a flyby. In the world of flight, when a plane circles twice and then heads off to the west, it signifies that a pilot/person has departed this world and gone on to bigger and better things. Larry had arranged for the flyby and then fulfilled his mom's request of having all those in attendance release red balloons. It was a touching and beautiful send off.
Larry (her son), Chris, and Kevin (who had flown in from Thailand) shared touching memories, music, and home videos. A few of the attendants from the care facility attended and shared some funny and thoughtful memories as well. She was a loved lady. Mostly because she was so pleasant to be around and had such a fun sense of humor.
At 2:15, our group headed outside for a flyby. In the world of flight, when a plane circles twice and then heads off to the west, it signifies that a pilot/person has departed this world and gone on to bigger and better things. Larry had arranged for the flyby and then fulfilled his mom's request of having all those in attendance release red balloons. It was a touching and beautiful send off.
Miss Me - But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go!
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are sick of heart
Go to the friends we know and
Bury your sorrow in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go.
December 17, 1923 - October 18, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
From the Best to the Worst
Our family traveled to Arizona for Chris' grandmother's memorial this weekend. It was a quick turnaround from our return from Thailand on Monday afternoon. Some of my daughters would have been happy not to even unpack their Thailand suitcase and just go with what was left in it for the weekend. I suggested they rethink that option.
We left for the airport once the girls arrived home from school. It was at that awkward too early for dinner but will be rather late for dinner once we land time. We chose to wait.
We were able to board without too much of a problem, though my daughter's groaned that this was a non-wifi airplane. I groaned because I realized that I had left my iPad charging on the kitchen counter at home. I had brought the recycling bin in to the garage and everyone was waiting in the car; I didn't get a chance to do a final sweep of the house. Boo for me.
When I say that we went from the best to the worst, I am referencing our flight on Thai Air from Thailand to Norita where we rode on a lovely, comfortable double decker plane. This flight turned in to the flight from hell. We had a HUGE group of people from one company that boarded the plane and the atmosphere went downhill quickly from there. Oh, they were having fun drinking, standing in the hills, shouting at each other, leading each other in song, swearing up a storm.
Chris actually yelled at one guy after he sat down from leading the group in song. He buckled up and stayed put until we landed. Couldn't they see the three children seated next to them as they dropped their f-bombs and made suggestive comments? They were so loud that it was impossible to hear a word the attendants or captain said throughout the flight. They were drunk already and wouldn't have cared if we said something to them.
Chris complained to one of the flight attendants. It was obvious that they were just trying to get through the flight without having to confront anyone. Finally the group's boss, who happened to be sitting way up at the front of the plane, came back and jokingly asked his people to quiet down. Didn't really work. It was our worst flight ever.
We left for the airport once the girls arrived home from school. It was at that awkward too early for dinner but will be rather late for dinner once we land time. We chose to wait.
We were able to board without too much of a problem, though my daughter's groaned that this was a non-wifi airplane. I groaned because I realized that I had left my iPad charging on the kitchen counter at home. I had brought the recycling bin in to the garage and everyone was waiting in the car; I didn't get a chance to do a final sweep of the house. Boo for me.
When I say that we went from the best to the worst, I am referencing our flight on Thai Air from Thailand to Norita where we rode on a lovely, comfortable double decker plane. This flight turned in to the flight from hell. We had a HUGE group of people from one company that boarded the plane and the atmosphere went downhill quickly from there. Oh, they were having fun drinking, standing in the hills, shouting at each other, leading each other in song, swearing up a storm.
Chris actually yelled at one guy after he sat down from leading the group in song. He buckled up and stayed put until we landed. Couldn't they see the three children seated next to them as they dropped their f-bombs and made suggestive comments? They were so loud that it was impossible to hear a word the attendants or captain said throughout the flight. They were drunk already and wouldn't have cared if we said something to them.
Chris complained to one of the flight attendants. It was obvious that they were just trying to get through the flight without having to confront anyone. Finally the group's boss, who happened to be sitting way up at the front of the plane, came back and jokingly asked his people to quiet down. Didn't really work. It was our worst flight ever.
Friday, December 5, 2014
December 1st
One of the traditions we have adopted in the last couple of years is a gift of pajamas for the girls on December 1st. We used to give pjs on Christmas Eve but decided to change things up a little bit. Chris and I weren't really needing new sleep wear and since the weather starts to get a little colder at the beginning of the month, it became fun for the girls to have new, warm-weather pajamas to wear the whole month. We arrived home from Thailand on the 1st, and I wasn't prepared for our December 1st tradition. It got bumped to December 3rd this year.
Along with the pajamas, we usually drew names on the same night, for a gift exchange on Christmas Eve that involves the whole family (and not just me buying pjs for everyone). When I suggested that we wait until the following Monday, there was a lot of dissension from the younger ranks. Can't mess with tradition (even if it is only a few years old)!
Amy wasn't interested in posing with her new robe.
Along with the pajamas, we usually drew names on the same night, for a gift exchange on Christmas Eve that involves the whole family (and not just me buying pjs for everyone). When I suggested that we wait until the following Monday, there was a lot of dissension from the younger ranks. Can't mess with tradition (even if it is only a few years old)!
Amy wasn't interested in posing with her new robe.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Jet Lag
Jet lag is a bear. It is crazy when your kids beg to go to bed at 6:30 pm. We tried to keep them up as long as possible. Two nights in a row, Kristen woke up at 2:30 am. Wednesday morning I suggested she try to go back to bed, but everyone else was up and she had already had breakfast and emptied the dishwasher. She was a little wired. Thursday morning was a repeat performance, and I pretty much made her go back to bed at 5:15. She wasn't happy. I tried to convince her that I wasn't punishing her but trying to help her out, "Well, it feels a lot like punishment." Regardless, she fell back to sleep until about 8:20. We hurried together to get her out the door by 8:45. It took until Friday or Saturday night before we could all stay awake past 9 pm and could all sleep through the night. Glad it didn't last forever.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Amy's Letter Jacket
Amy got her birthday present from Chris and I a little early. The only argument I heard in favor of letting her have a letter was that it would keep her warm on cold, snowy days. It was kind of similar to the Far Side comics where it shows what dogs hear when people talk to them: Blah Blah Blah Blah. All I heard was, "It will keep me warm." I have watched her walk out the door in a just a sweatshirt in the middle of winter. If she would wear it, I was all for it.
She was able to submit her two letters--in Academics and Music--when she turned in her order form and they sewed them on for her. She has since added a little bar signifying a second letter in Academics. I am proud of all her hard work.
She normally doesn't wear a long black dress around the house, but had just arrived home with Chris from her Christmas Choir Concert. She is in the Women's Choir. And there's Misha, the photo bomber.
She was able to submit her two letters--in Academics and Music--when she turned in her order form and they sewed them on for her. She has since added a little bar signifying a second letter in Academics. I am proud of all her hard work.
She normally doesn't wear a long black dress around the house, but had just arrived home with Chris from her Christmas Choir Concert. She is in the Women's Choir. And there's Misha, the photo bomber.
Monday, December 1, 2014
A Great Adventure - Day 16
You've got to love traveling when you leave at 6 am Monday morning from Thailand, have 18 hours of flight time, and arrive in Denver at 12 pm Monday afternoon.
We were up early to get ready for our day. I chose to shower because it would be a verrrrry long day. Chris and I roused the girls about a half hour before we had to leave. We had had a super, fantastic vacation, but I think we were all ready to head home. Ashley woke up for a couple of minutes to give Kristen hugs goodbye.
Khun Tar, such an amazing guy, picked us up at 4 am to take us to the airport. He would then return to Kevin's to take him to work.
Chris was on a separate flight from ours, somehow in the scheduling, that is what worked best. So the girls and I got to ride a double decker airplane from Bangkok to Norita, Japan. Our flight was a half hour late in leaving as the cleaning crew needed to clean after the plane arrived late. Chris left an hour before us and arrived in Norita with plenty of time. The girls and I hung out at Starbucks while we waited. Amy can sleep anywhere.
This plane was probably the most comfortable of all the planes I have ever taken. We were on the upper level of the plane. The picture I tried to take of the girls climbing the stairs didn't turn out well because we were trying not to back things up as we boarded.
As we neared Norita, the captain announced that there were too many planes in the airspace and we needed to waste some time (those are my words, not his.) We circled a couple of times, zigged right, then left. We had originally had a two hour layover, but it was quickly disappearing. Fortunately our extra time in the sky allowed me to capture this amazing sunset above the clouds coming in to Norita. Beneath those clouds it was overcast and rainy.
I tried dragon fruit. It was similar to kiwi in that it had a lot of seeds, but rather tasteless. Perhaps it wasn't quite in season.
As we exited the plane, I looked at my watch and then asked Amy what time our next flight would leave. I thought we had plenty of time still. It was five minutes to the hour. Amy looked at our boarding passes and said our flight left at 17:05. I did some quick math in my head and shouted, "Our flight leaves in ten minutes!" We tried to figure out which gate our next flight was departing from but couldn't see gate 27 anywhere on a map. I turned and asked a security guard, "Where's gate 27?" I was grateful he at least understand "27" as he directed us under some stairs and down another hall. We took off running, each with a backpack bouncing around on our backs with every footfall. Amy was the fastest in order to get to the gate and let them know we were coming. I hung back with Kristen who was struggling. We probably ran half a mile.
As we got to the gate, sweating, doubled over, and totally out of breath, the gate agent announced that the flight was delayed. Oh. my. gosh. Oh. my. gosh. Oh. my. gosh. Thoughts of missing our plane or missing our connection with Chris were flying through my mind as fast as we had been running. He nonchalantly walked around the corner as we tried to breathe normally, "Oh, 17:05 was your boarding time. You still would have made it." That would have been nice to know eight minutes ago.
We boarded together to the same seats as our previous trip on the dream liner from Denver to Norita. We even had the same flight attendant. Though I would say that this crew was decidedly unfriendly. This flight would only take 10.5 hours. It was good to be going home.
I spent a lot of time working on my blog, while watching/listening to movies in the background. Chris and Kristen tried to sleep though they were in the seats with immovable armrests again. I was tempted to have Kristen stretch out on the floor, but Chris said the flight attendants would definitely make her move. Amy and Misha slept in the row behind us with their heads touching. Our food on this leg of the trip was awful. It made another meal of power bars seem delightful.
We arrived in Denver around noon on Monday afternoon. After passing through Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs, I was happy to hear, "Welcome back." Love that. Our friend, Eric Morris, picked us up in our Pilot, and we were on our way home.
We were up early to get ready for our day. I chose to shower because it would be a verrrrry long day. Chris and I roused the girls about a half hour before we had to leave. We had had a super, fantastic vacation, but I think we were all ready to head home. Ashley woke up for a couple of minutes to give Kristen hugs goodbye.
Khun Tar, such an amazing guy, picked us up at 4 am to take us to the airport. He would then return to Kevin's to take him to work.
Chris was on a separate flight from ours, somehow in the scheduling, that is what worked best. So the girls and I got to ride a double decker airplane from Bangkok to Norita, Japan. Our flight was a half hour late in leaving as the cleaning crew needed to clean after the plane arrived late. Chris left an hour before us and arrived in Norita with plenty of time. The girls and I hung out at Starbucks while we waited. Amy can sleep anywhere.
This plane was probably the most comfortable of all the planes I have ever taken. We were on the upper level of the plane. The picture I tried to take of the girls climbing the stairs didn't turn out well because we were trying not to back things up as we boarded.
As we neared Norita, the captain announced that there were too many planes in the airspace and we needed to waste some time (those are my words, not his.) We circled a couple of times, zigged right, then left. We had originally had a two hour layover, but it was quickly disappearing. Fortunately our extra time in the sky allowed me to capture this amazing sunset above the clouds coming in to Norita. Beneath those clouds it was overcast and rainy.
I tried dragon fruit. It was similar to kiwi in that it had a lot of seeds, but rather tasteless. Perhaps it wasn't quite in season.
As we exited the plane, I looked at my watch and then asked Amy what time our next flight would leave. I thought we had plenty of time still. It was five minutes to the hour. Amy looked at our boarding passes and said our flight left at 17:05. I did some quick math in my head and shouted, "Our flight leaves in ten minutes!" We tried to figure out which gate our next flight was departing from but couldn't see gate 27 anywhere on a map. I turned and asked a security guard, "Where's gate 27?" I was grateful he at least understand "27" as he directed us under some stairs and down another hall. We took off running, each with a backpack bouncing around on our backs with every footfall. Amy was the fastest in order to get to the gate and let them know we were coming. I hung back with Kristen who was struggling. We probably ran half a mile.
As we got to the gate, sweating, doubled over, and totally out of breath, the gate agent announced that the flight was delayed. Oh. my. gosh. Oh. my. gosh. Oh. my. gosh. Thoughts of missing our plane or missing our connection with Chris were flying through my mind as fast as we had been running. He nonchalantly walked around the corner as we tried to breathe normally, "Oh, 17:05 was your boarding time. You still would have made it." That would have been nice to know eight minutes ago.
We boarded together to the same seats as our previous trip on the dream liner from Denver to Norita. We even had the same flight attendant. Though I would say that this crew was decidedly unfriendly. This flight would only take 10.5 hours. It was good to be going home.
I spent a lot of time working on my blog, while watching/listening to movies in the background. Chris and Kristen tried to sleep though they were in the seats with immovable armrests again. I was tempted to have Kristen stretch out on the floor, but Chris said the flight attendants would definitely make her move. Amy and Misha slept in the row behind us with their heads touching. Our food on this leg of the trip was awful. It made another meal of power bars seem delightful.
We arrived in Denver around noon on Monday afternoon. After passing through Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs, I was happy to hear, "Welcome back." Love that. Our friend, Eric Morris, picked us up in our Pilot, and we were on our way home.
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