After our whirlwind (or so it seemed) six week "vacation" in California, it was time for us to pack up our 7 large suitcases, 4 carry-on bags, 2 car seats, the beat-up stroller, and 100 pound dog and crate, and head off today to Washington, DC. It was a long day traveling; we had a 2.5 hour delay in Los Angeles, a five hour flight, and an hour wait for our hotel shuttle once we arrived in DC. We left the house at 6 am and didn't arrive to the hotel until 9 pm. Oh it was a LONG day... at least for me.
For the girls? Not so much. A five hour plane ride to them is merely an errand. They don't even flinch when we tell them how long each flight is going to be now. They only ask if it's as long as driving to Bubbie and Zadie's house, (the 7+ hour drive from my in-laws to my parents house) which seems to be their tolerance benchmark. Today's flight was no exception. Sure they weren't thrilled about the added delay at LAX airport, but they know the drill. No whining, crying, hitting, spitting, biting, yelling, jumping, or throwing fits on the airplane... They just usually save it up until right after we step foot off the airplane, or better yet in the baggage claim. Hey, as long as I'm not screaming at them through clenched teeth to "... cut... that ... bleepity bleep ... out ... right ... now!"
Over the years the girls have turned into well seasoned travelers, which is not surprising since they've logged over 150,000 miles between them, with Riley traveling on fourteen transatlantic flights and Sheridan on eleven. Their passports are peppered with entrance and exit stamps from an amazing list of countries visited, a perk of living overseas for the last five years that we've really tried to use to our advantage.
As you all know we're off to Chennai next Saturday. Thankfully flying from Washington, DC puts us at least five hours closer to our two-day travel ordeal. We'll be hanging out on the East Coast these next two weeks, a bit in the Tri-State area visiting family and friends, and next week in DC while Matt does a smidgen of work before we head out. If you don't hear from us for awhile, it's because we're off gallivanting around, showing the girls our favorite spots, and have no wireless internet service to tell you of our tales.
Until I'm able to write again...
23 comments:
Fascinated at the amount of travel your girls have done already! Best wishes- hear from you when you reach your destination!
Keep in touch as much as you can, safe travelling, look forward to your next post!
Have a great trip! We'll be here in Chennai waiting for you all. When you're lucid, give me a call at 9841015382. Is Erika even back in town by then?
Travel safely!!
I can't even imagine how much your girls have traveled! Wow! That is so great for them. Thank you for being a mom who talks through clenched teeth--now I know I'm not the only one!
Have a great time on your last Hurrah before India. I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. Are you excited? Nervous? Both? Do you know much about what your life will actually be like in India, or not until you get there? Travel safe. I can't wait to hear more.
Say hi to the East for me! I lived in the Philly/Delaware/MD area for 13 years before we moved to Germany.
Have a great time! And good luck on the upcoming flight :) You can always ask to have YOURSELF upgraded. Kids? What kids?
I'm glad that you get to hang out for a couple of weeks before the final stages of your big move.
I'm a little jealous of all the travel you guys have gotten to do! I want to go everywhere & see everything!
Our kids haven't travelled nearly as much as your kids have, but we've taken them to Mexico, London & Paris; countless trips to Florida & many hour road trips, and they travel VERY well (which makes things so much easier.)
Sorry for taking up so much space here...have a great time!
~Christy C
http://www.heavyonthecaffeine.com
Have a safe trip! Check in when you can and hang in there!! The girls sound like troopers.
And so the new adventure begins. Safe travels, Jill. I look forward to catching up with you as soon as things settle dow for both of us.
Enjoy your 2 weeks on the "right" coast! Safe travels on to your final destination!!!
I think it's so great that your girls are getting this experience. My first time on a plane was when I was in my mid-20's (don't laugh)! I look forward to hearing about your next adventure!!
Have a great time. Your children are so lucky to be able to live the international life. And how great of you to take advantage of the opportunities that are available. I'll be waiting to hear of your next adventure.
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
It's so great that your kids have seen the world. And will soon be seeing more! Definitely save those passports when they expire- what a cool thing to have to look back on.
Hope you have a great two weeks left here in the States. But I'm really looking forward to your new adventure in India- can't wait for when you blog about your experiences there!
Safe travels!!! Can't wait to read up about your adventures!
I am so impressed with you kids and their travel behavior. My kids break down after about 30 min in the car.
Here's wishing you an awesome time in the States and safe travels.
Can't wait to hear from you again.
whaaa...I am going to miss you! have a safe trip & let us know when you get settled! hugs--T
I wish you and the family well! How nice it is that the kids "know" how to travel!
Well, have fun!
Congratulations! you made it, or at least made the first leg of "The Amazing Race" you seem to be on. Have a safe journey and I can't wait to hear about the rest of it.
PS My hubby is in DC this week too. If you see a man walking around lost, just point him to a police officer, he isn't use to being out on his own.
i'm officially amazed.
safe travels!
Safe travels.
Looking forward to meeting you! You will be so glad that you spent so much time shopping at Costco and Target! Safe journeys!
~Jennifer
www.greenindians.blogspot.com
Earlier this week we told some of our friends and family that we were going to be brave and drive to Orlando & take the kids to Disney World. We are going in September, but I am already dreading the double stroller, 2 carseats, luggage and ect. This is only going to be 1 week of my life, but I can't even imaging ya'll do this all the time!! You seem so organized and like you've got it down, girl. Send over some tips when you can!
Save travels to you and your family! Can't wait to read the updates.
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