Day Of Travel

Those of you that know what it is like to travel with children or a group, should appreciate this.

I (Adam) am a very organized and preplanned individual.  That's right - I have a plan.  I have had the travel information and documents prepacked in my bag for days.  My better half (Becky and the kids) on the other hand have no sense of staying on schedule when it is time to travel.  It's almost as if time itself stands still for them.  Maybe that is why Addison's idea for her Fall Harvest costume being a clock, set well with me.  I thought it might be a good lesson in time.  But as you can see from the photo below, the time is stuck.  Hmmmm...



tick-tock

Well, my goal was to have the car packed at 10am...we had it packed by 11am.  My goal was to be on the road by 11am, and we left at 11:15...so I guess overall that was pretty good.  The ride down to the Detroit airport went off without a hitch.  Thanks to The Edward (Becky's Dad) for playing taxi driver (and Uncle Tim, too!)  Once inside the terminal, we were able to check our luggage, get our boarding passes and drudge through the security line, all with enough time to have a lunch and board the plane.

Once on the plane, Tristan decided to show some major attitude and be the loud screaming kid for the first 40 minutes of the flight. After rows of people stared and some glaring Tristan finally passed out and slept for the remainder of the plane ride.  Whew!

Once on the ground in Philidelphia, I was able to contact the Ronald McDonald House (RMH).  When I did so earlier in the morning, they did not have a room available for us, but this time they did.  So our backup plan at the hotel was not needed.  Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing.

Once we got our baggage, Becky decided to throw a wrench in my plans.  I had planned to have a shuttle take us to the RMH.  She decided that taking the train with two large suitcases, two car seats, four carry-ons, a stroller and two kids (one of which would not ride in the stroller) would be the best option (cheaper).  Once we got off at the University Center train staion, she said "Let's walk from here to the RMH."  So all of the items listed above, now were carried and/or pushed eleven city blocks. Of course as Becky would tell you, "we saved eleven dollars."   So I guess we saved one dollar per block.  

Side note to Ryland (my trainer) - I carried the two large suit cases and two car seats.  Hopefully, this counts as my workout for the day.  :-)

Once we arrived at the RMH, we have seen nothing but the warmest of hospitality.  We entered and heard music playing on the piano, and Becky was practically in tears with relief.  Upon check-in the kids were immediately spoiled by picking their own presents & books from the gift chest.  (Tristan picked an Ironman figure and Addison a little doll figurine.)  The facilities are great and there are two wonderful play areas for the kids.  Tristan had to be pulled away from the train table this evening.  In addition to playing, we were also well fed and have been blessed with one of the dinners furnished by volunteers. 



Tristan playing with the trains at the RMH.

  
Now it's time to get some sleep and prepare ourselves for all of Tristan's pre-op appointments tomorrow.  Our first one is at 8am and then we have another at 9am.  We hope to find out all the final details of the surgery and find out what time surgery will be on Wednesday.

Thanks to all for your continued prayers and all the wonderful notes we have received.

God Bless!
Adam, Becky, Addison and Tristan