Day One

Our day started by loading up our van with 12 pieces of checked luggage and 14 pieces of carryon luggage. My parents dropped us off right in front of the check in for our airline. No dragging luggage through the parking garage. When we got inside, we were deciding how to best attack the zigzag maze to the checkin desk when a nice airline worker asked us if we would like him to check us in to avoid the line. What a blessing to not have to drag everyone and everything through the line. He got a nice tip for his help.

Then it was off to the security check point. With just the carryon it was pretty manageable. Off with the shoes and jackets, the boys each went through with no problems. No one had to go through the puffer machine. Matt is the only one who had to walk through the metal detector 3 times.

Then it was off to watch planes from our gate. The boys were having a lot of fun. Soon it was time to line up for boarding. We all had the first boarding time in the A slot except Sarah. She was in the B slot. The nice ticket agent let her go through with us, so we all managed to sit together. Another blessing.

After getting situated, it was time to take off. The boys are the only ones who had never flown before, and they did great. Josiah just kept smiling and having fun. After some snacks, reading books, and playing games, it was time for a nap.

Landing in Denver went smoothly, we had some great flight attendants. One of them commented on how well the kids did on the trip. Then it was off to the food court and to work off some wiggles.

The next leg of the journey to Philadelphia also went smoothly. The boys really liked getting to pick whatever they wanted to drink.

With a small amount of turbulence and a little pressure on the ears(not too bad), we landed safely in Philly. After picking up our luggage and getting the hotel shuttle, we tucked the boys into bed to get ready for an exciting day of touring Philadelphia.

Road Trip

Wow! What an amazing trip we have had. We have just returned from the most amazing road trip. We flew to Philadelphia, via Denver, and drove back to Oregon. I feel like I have just eaten my way across America. I had Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia, polish dogs in D.C., burgers in Baltimore, Dunkin Donuts in New Jersey, chocolate in Hershey, deep dish pizza in Chicago, Caribou Coffee in Minnesota, Dakota Style brand dill pickle chips in South Dakota, and Sioux City Soda in Wyoming.

We just traveled 4176 miles in 12 days, through 16 states,(3 more than once), plus Washington D.C., visited 9 coffee shops, went through 4 cases of soda, went to 2 Cabelas, spent 1 Sunday at Marquette Manor Baptist Church, and stopped at more rest areas than I could keep track of.

We spent the first day flying to Philadelphia. I'll describe our adventurous first day tomorrow.

Joshua's Word Wall

Joshua is enjoying reading his short vowel words. It took a lot of convincing, but I think he is starting to like reading. It was hard for him and he doesn't like to do hard things, unless it involves outside and dirt!

Our New Floor

Brian and Matt have been working a lot on our new floor. It's not done yet but I really like it so far. Matt has been learning a lot working with his dad. I keep telling him he will be glad for all this experience some day!

Puzzles

This month Josiah has discovered puzzles. He hadn't shown much interest in them before now. He has been sick a lot this month, in fact, I can't remember the last day that he didn't have a runny nose. So we pulled out the puzzles and he has been having a great time.

Pop Rocks

Josiah has his first taste of Pop Rocks today. He likes to open his mouth so he can hear them pop.

Go Gators!

Matt had a good game last week. He has enjoyed playing this season. He has a great coach who he enjoys working with. He is one of the taller players, so even though he has less experience than some of the other guys, he gets a lot of playing time. So far their record is 6-1! Their one loss was their first game of the season, and they played that team for a second time and they won in a nailbiter of a game!