food, friends, and family

On Friday I made a historic trip down to see my family for Christmas. I say historic because I packed for me, a toddler, and a newborn for an 18 day vacation to a city that will be both cold AND warm. I had to make it through customs all by myself with Evan driving his wheelchair, a newborn strapped to my body, while pushing a cart stacked with 4 suit cases and a double stroller. Bless the parking monitors who allowed my mother-in-law to come inside with me (seriously, if I could only give you the details!) and get me to the customs door. Once I was at the door I was on my own.

Thankfully we had all of the correct paper work to get through customs.
-letter of permission to travel across the border from: Birth mom, Birth Dad, Justin, and the adoption agency
-all of our adoption paperwork
-registration of live birth
(this will be so much easier when the adoption is finalized!)

The customs agent just laughed at me when he looked at the skinny mother carrying her baby moose in a sling, barking instructions at a toddler, and pushing a cart with WAY too much stuff on it. He was very nice, wished me and Evan a good trip and sent me through. (is there any wonder to why I am skinny?)

Security was really hard too and took a long time to get all of us through, but we made it out and to our gate in one piece. The airline was AMAZING!!! They helped me so much getting on the flight, during the flight, and getting off the flight. They would help me with things I didn't even ask for help with!! Each person who worked that flight (including the pilot) personally went out of their way to do extra for my little family. I am so impressed and am looking forward to writing a letter of appreciation to the airline. I couldn't believe how wonderful an experience it was.

At one point in the flight BOTH of my children were asleep on me. I was in awe with how easy the flight was. I don't know if it was my preparation, really well behaved children, or just dumb luck ... but I hope every flight in my life goes that smoothly! :-)

I arrived in San Diego to a blessed 75'F weather!!!! Evan kept stopping to soak up the sun and Landon kept shielding his eyes because it has been so long since he has ever seen such a thing!

I have been here for 4 days now and gotten to see many people that I grew up around. I spent the day with one of my best friends yesterday and tonight I get to have a CBC reunion (I will explain more on that later :-) I have eaten soooo much crap and gone for 1 run with my family. I LOVE being HOME!!! Justin and one of my brothers and wife will arrive tonight, my sister and her husband come tomorrow, and Grandma comes on Thursday.

Food, Friends, and Family ... does it get any better?

(I will try and post some pictures tonight)