James and Claire

We woke up at 4:45. In an attempt to make things easier for future flights, we loaded up as much as we could with today's passengers. We ended up with three suitcases of 38, 57, and 67 pounds. Mamaw's was the one that was 38. Our luggage annoys me because each suitcase weighs 30 pounds before you put anything in it..and the wheels on all of them are broken so I just drag them around. By 4:55, we had the car loaded and ready to go.

At the airport we parked the car and hauled everything in to the United ticketing counter. After a brief wait, it was our turn to use the automated checkin machine. So I put in their information and it could not find them. I asked an attendant, who showed me another way to not find them. She referred us to a better attendant, and we had to move all of our stuff over the non-automated checkin podium.

I had made these reservations over the phone, and while the guy at the other end of the line told me exactly what I wanted to hear, he must have had some problems and kept them quiet. For one, Nicholas and Christy's tickets were on hold (not ticketed) and their names were Christina Christina and Nicholas Nicholas. I told the attendant a condensed version of the events that brought me to grovelling in front of her. I pleaded, 'At least take Karen (Mamaw)'. She had pity on me, and was able to get Christy and Nicholas' tickets straightened out, although it took a while.

We then all headed towards security, where I took one last picture of them and said goodbye. It was very sad. I hate putting my entire life on a plane that I am not on. As they headed through security, I stayed with them as long as I could and then left once they reached the other side.

From my post-landing discussions with Christy, they did quite well on the plane. Christy managed to somehow talk her way to getting all of them into first class. She apparently noticed that nobody was up there and then kept asking until the steward caved. That would not have happened with ugly husband in tow.

The only other thing I know is that when they were waiting around the baggage claim, the first piece of anything that circled for display was one of Mamaw's shoes..and then another...and then some of her other personal belongings. I am sorry to have missed this, as it would have amused me greatly. Her suitcase leaked.

After dropping them off, I came back to the hotel and prepared to move back to the 1 bedroom suite. As I got ready for church, I realized that Christy had taken all of the dress socks home. I had two options to go with my black pants and shoes. I had white gym socks or a pair of army-green fuzzy ankle socks. I tried both on, and even with my lack of fashion-sense, was able to tell that neither looked good. I went with the green ones. I took a picture for your amusement. I proudly wore my green socks to church at 9:00 and nobody knew.

After church, I took a trip to Target to return the car seat we bought. Christy will bring one down when she comes back, so we did not need it any more. From there I went to the hospital, where I got to feed James. They are both doing much better. There is actual hope that they may be released next weekend.

When I got back to the hotel, I stole a luggage cart and switched to my new room. I like the new room. I have a great view of the Capitol and the fridge is bigger. I then went to the front desk and insisted that because I switched rooms, they owed me cookies...and they gave me two warm chocolate chip cookies. I am not sure what happened to them....but they seem to be gone.

After the move, I worked until about 6:00. I then ordered carry out from the Clay Pit (Indian cuisine). Then I headed back to the babies. I held Claire for a long time while evangelizing Fuddrucker's to the nice couple whose child is next to the twins. I then fed James and headed back to the hotel.

Meanwhile, at home, the rest of the crew arrived safe and sound and Nicholas was jumping with excitement to finally be home. One of the neighboring husbands helped Christy with all of the bags while the neighborhood moms plucked at Christy for juicy gossip....er..I mean...all the details.

Christy worked hard all day getting the house back in working order and playing with Nicholas. All of the kids in the neighborhood were out playing and Nicholas was overjoyed to be one of them again. At the end of the day, he said 'Mommy, I want to go to sleep in my big boy bed'...and he did.

Update 11:56 PM....our neighbor Julie just sent me some photos of Nicholas playing with his friends...I am adding them now....Thanks Julie!