Hail! the Portable DVD Player!

We made it to VA with no problems! Woo hoo! I was literally sick yesterday morning on our way to the airport--nervous stomach sick. I am not a fan of flying as it is, let alone on my own with the boys. Yes, I'm a headcase...We cut it a little close getting to the airport but thank goodness for curbside check-in. United was kind enough to allow Doug to go to the gate with us which was a huge help, as going through security is such a hassle. So we sailed through security and took the little subway to the terminal (which Bode LOVED). I took one last pitstop and we boarded the plane--almost the last ones on--perfect. Kissed Doug goodbye and on we went. A man behind us on the jetway asked if he could help me and I happily handed him Keegen and said, "See you later!" No, i did hand him Keegen but just to breakdown the stroller and then he carried a bag to my seat. We finally made it back to our seats where I saw our seatmate and said with a smile, "You're the winner!" To which he gave a confused look followed by what i'm certain was a disappointed look that not only did he NOT have 2 open seats next to him, but they were now occupied by a woman with two small children. We settled in and thanks to the screaming 2-year old three seats in front of us, we looked like angels. I got out a surprise puzzle for Bode that he played with for a long time, long enough to get us up in the air and to cruising altitude. Keegen was more of a challenge as it was his naptime and he couldn't figure out what to do with himself. Luckily he succumbed and slept--only for 30 minutes or so but long enough to get a grip. Before he fell asleep i set Bode up with Little Einsteins on the DVD player and he was in heaven. Had i thought to pull out the headphones for me I could have even caught some of the in-flight movie, but I have no complaints. Except that Keegen in his wildness trying to go to sleep managed to bounce continually on my bladder so i had to pee immediately and only after about 2 hours did i finally make myself wake the guy next to me and go. Happily, a grandma was waiting with open arms to take Keegen from me so I could do so. I managed to keep Keegen somewhat happy for the rest of the flight and it was over in a flash. I seriously couldn't believe the flight was over so quickly. We deplaned out to the jetway with a brief pause when we reached the point at which the plane exit door connects to the jetway. There's that small little crack. Bode stopped and hesitated and then made a huge LEAP over the crack. The jetway was filled with female employees of all sorts of ethnicities waiting to get on the plane to clean it and they cheered for him as he leaped (leapt??). I do love the diversity of the DC area! These women cooed over my children like i've never seen, and my boys really deserved their praise. They were so good. Things couldn't have gone better. Which makes me wonder what's in store for me for the flight home???...Such an optimist am I. I must say, though, that the few times I have flown alone with kid(s) I am reassured that mankind is still KIND. People have always gone out of their way to be friendly and helpful for which i am so grateful.

Once we were on the ground and after changing a poopy diaper we hopped on the People Mover to the main terminal, expecting that my mom and dad were meeting us. Instead we were surprised by my sister and her daughter Fiona, who is 6 weeks older than Bode. Fiona gave a shriek and was very excited while Bode hugged and hid behind my legs. Those are, in nutshells, their personalities. Bode was SO tired but i think even well-rested he would have been a bit overwhelmed. Anyway, fun reunion, truly. Our bags were the last remaining on the thingy (one nice thing about taking so long with kids, i suppose). Off we went home to Grandpa Bill and Grandma Di's house.

At my parents' house Bode was almost instantly comfortable. He went straight to the toy basket and before long he and Noni were chasing each other around the house having a great time. So fun to see. I've missed them and having those two close. Keegen went down for a much-needed nap and Erin and I left the kiddos with the folks and ran over to Trader Joe's (bliss!) for a few items.

Bode got comfortable quickly with my parents and talked up a storm to them. About his puzzle, his truck, whatever. They often don't hear him, not because they're hard of hearing, but I think they're just in the habit of tuning kids out. Sounds terrible but i don't think they mean any harm by it. I do have to say on occasion, "Oh Grandma(pa), Bode's talking to you" to get their attention. But then they are very sweet with him. Warms my heart.

It's funny, we've been gone for one full year now. We arrived in Colorado on February 1st 2006. And being home feels like I never left. Kind of nice.