Friday, June 12, 2009

4 Weeks

I can't believe we've been in the US for 4 weeks now! Things have been a little crazy and turned out differently than planned, but we are still having a really good time. I suppose I'll just start from the beginning...our 22 hour journey from Holland to Utah.I was glad Jarom was able to get us from our house to the airport. It would've been so hard getting on and off the train with all that stuff if I was alone.

We walked to the metro station, took a metro to the train station, took the train station to another train station, took the second train station to the airport, flew from Amsterdam to Chicago, flew from Chicago to SLC, and finally drove from the SLC airport to my parent's house. It was quite the day!

I was actually very amazed at how well the boys did. I am absolutely NOT looking forward to the trip back but I hope they do as well on the way back as they did on the way here. We only had a few meltdowns and they didn't last too long. I was incredibly stocked up on all sorts of fun things so I know that helped. I also prayed almost nonstop that we would all make it through alive and as sane as possible.

The last leg of the trip was the hardest. We stopped in the Chicago O'Hare Airport and I hope I never have to fly through there again. The delays were horrible. I swear almost every single flight was either delayed or cancelled. By that time it was already midnight or 1 am Holland time and we were all exhausted. The airport was so crammed because of delays that there wasn't even anywhere to sit. Glade fell asleep in the stroller and Jimmy fell asleep in my arms. I stood in that airport for the 3.5 hours in between our flights.

Thankfully my prayers and pleas were answered when a nice couple came over and asked me if I needed any help boarding the plane. Boy did I! I almost started to cry. The man carried sleeping Glade. The woman carried all my carry-ons and pushed the stroller. I carried sleeping Jimmy. Then while on the plane the woman even came over and held Glade for about an hour so I could have a break and a chance to go to the bathroom.

After getting off the flight they both helped me carry all my stuff, including children, and even walked with me to the baggage area and helped me get my bags. What amazing people! I was so thankful for them.
I wish I would've been able to take more pictures, but come on....I had enough on my hands without pulling out the camera. One annoying thing is that in between flights they made me recheck all my bags. So I had to pick up all our checked bags, carry them from that point through security, and check them again. I sure wish I had a picture of me doing all that...I was pushing the double stroller with Glade and Jimmy in it. I had the two carry-ons on my shoulders. I had one duffle bag balanced on the top of the stroller and I was pulling two suitcases. Talk about a scene, eh?! I felt like supermom!

Oh and to top it all off, I am unexpectedly (but excitedly) pregnant and was still going through the fun morning sickness phase. I know, you're all amazed now, right?!

14 comments:

Jared & Tristan said...

What wonderful people to help you out so much! I know when I'm older and not traveling with little kids (which will be a while!) I definitely want to help out any moms traveling solo with their kids! I know how incredibly difficult it can be.
I'm glad that you arrived safely and things went pretty well. I hope that you will have a good and safe trip back when the time comes.
And CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy! You really are super mom/ super woman to be doing all that stuff AND doing it all while being pregnant and sick! You're amazing!

Amy B. said...

Oh Erica...I feel for you so much! We all have those supermom moments at one point but REALLY? You had several moments all at the same time and about the pregnancy thing....HOLY MOLY!!! I can't wait to hear all about your Dr. visits in Holland...are you nervous about that...do they do epidurals?...Holy Moly!!!

mikensi said...

congrats on your pregnancy! i can't believe you made that trip in one piece! wow, you really are supermom!

Katie said...

I already knew all this but way to update your blog and you know how amazing I think you are! :)

Vanessa said...

WOW!!!! You are so amazing to travel with your kids... and to make it through quite successfully. And CONGRATS on the pregnancy!!! How exciting for you!!! I hope all goes well! Keep us posted!!!! Love ya!

Dawn said...

Congrats on your pregnancy. Three is so much fun, but very exhausting. I hope you feel better soon!

Rob and Jill said...

WOW!!! You are amazing! I wish I could have seen it. Did people stare in amazement? You are a supermom.
CONGRATULATIONS! How did you do all that while feeling so crappy?
I hope you have a great trip, and the return home goes smoothly.

Sara and Dustin said...

I seriously got choked up when I read about that incredible couple helping you so much. That is honestly the nicest thing someone could do for a traveling mom. I can really relate to your experiences but doing it while nauseated??? Wow! Congratulations on expecting again!! That's very, very exciting!

Megan and Sean said...

CONGRATS on number 3! I admire you, I think flying from ME to FL twice a year with four kids (and my hubby) is bad....I'll think of you next time we fly...I've got it good! That was so sweet of that couple to help you out. I'll admit it I got a little teary. Have more fun in the USA. Good luck going home.

Ashlee said...

Congratulations!! That's exciting! I don't think I could have managed what you did all by myself. But it was worth it in the end right? I bet you're having so much fun with your family.

Karlene said...

I had something like that happen once. Was flying with Kenna & Chris, very pregnant with Mel. An army guy helped me switch planes in Chicago. He got them to bring one of those cars and drive us to the next gate. He went with us and played with the kids until it was time for our flight to leave.

And speaking of pregnant. I can't believe you didn't mention it Saturday!

The Murdocks said...

I'm so excited for you! Remember when you left, one of my big questions was if you were going to have a baby over there!?! Looks like it is happening! I'm glad you've been able to come home for a while. I don't envy your airport experience! But I'm sure it's been worth it!

Ashlee said...

Let's definitely get together!! I would love to see you and your cute kids, I bet they're sooo big!

Fowler family said...

Oh Erika, wow! What a journey! You are amazing to make that flight alone with your 2 boys AND pregnant. I had no idea you were in the US. Wish I was in Utah to see you! How long will you be here in the US?

Hope you are feeling well.