Day 7 - Spokane or Bust

Day 7 – Spokane or Bust

After getting our luggage checked back in and resolving some ticketing questions, we headed for the nearest souvenir stand. Jocelyn had gone through all but one outfit and my shirt looked like I had been wearing it for a good week straight. I was feeling refreshed in my new t-shirt and Jocelyn looked adorable in her DC onsie. Now we need good food and a place to run.

We found a great restaurant and ate everything they put before us. Airplane food leaves much to be desired. Across from the restaurant was an area where there was no flight traffic coming in or out. We decide this would be a perfect place to let the kids run free. Our only goal for the next 3 hours is to not let them sleep. I know it sounds strange after they have been awake for over 18 hours now but our goal is to have them so exhausted they will sleep from DC to Denver. And if we are lucky…they will sleep Denver to Spokane.

I can’t even begin to express how much fun it is to watch Isaac and Jocelyn run free. Isaac adores running and having the space to be free. He hasn’t quite figured out that running and playing peek-a-boo at the same time is not such a great idea. Jocelyn is the epitome of “monkey see monkey do.” Our 3 hours are gone in the blink of an eye.

Our flight from DC to Denver is just what we want it to be…uneventful. Jocelyn still does not sleep as sound as Isaac because she can’t move all over the place. It is hard to flop around while you are asleep in your mommy’s lap. I even got the chance to sneak back and use the bathroom. I got up to stretch my legs while she was asleep in my arms. The flight attendants were completely smitten with her. One offered to hold her so I could take a bathroom break. I decide to take the chance and it worked. Jocelyn never knew she had left her Mommy’s arms. Phew!

We spend the 1.5 hours we have in the Denver airport finding our next flight and grabbing a quick bite to eat. The rest of the time is spent fielding questions from those around us. Our sweet peas are beautiful so people tend to watch them and comment on how adorable they are (of course we already know this). But we also field several questions about if we have adopted them. We are definitely white (especially Hubby) so you can’t miss that they don’t quite match us. I find this to be a perfect opportunity to educate people about Ethiopia, adoption, and how others can make a difference in the lives of an orphan even if they do not want to adopt. It is a great way to pass the time while waiting to board our flight.

As we sit in the plane waiting to leave the runway, Hubby and me just look at each other and smile. We are finally going to be home. Home has never sounded so good. Finally we will be home with our sweet peas in our arms.

We are blessed again to have wonderful flight attendants. United Airlines has been impeccable in caring for us. It always helps when they are smitten with your sweet peas. Isaac sleeps most of the way from Denver to Spokane but as we suspected Jocelyn had no intention of sleeping. Shortly before landing I change them into the last clean outfits I have for them. I wanted them to look good when they meet their Grandpa H.

We are the last ones to get off the plane. It is just easier to wait. We are so relieved to be home. As we get down towards the baggage claim area we are met by many smiling faces and cheers of joy. Several of our friends had come out to give us a grand welcome home. It was so much fun to see everyone and to show off our sweet peas. It didn’t take long for Jocelyn to want down. She had the attention of so many people. She must entertain them!

Grandpa H. was late getting here to pick us up but it was kind of nice. Everyone else was already gone so it allowed my Dad to see them alone for the first time. I don’t remember the last time I saw my Dad smile so big. His pride was written all over his face. It is so good to share our joy with family and friends. Our journey has not been easy these last 17 months but we haven’t taken this journey alone.

To all who have prayed with us, wept with us, laughed with us and rejoiced with us. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Thank you for letting us share our journey with you. We look forward to celebrating this new life with you in the months and years to come.