Our Journey Across the Pond

Well I left off the weekend before we left home. The monday we left was spent doing last minute laundry, packing and one last lunch at Lupe Tortilla with our friends, the Weatherwaxes. The food was so yummy and the boys had a blast playing the in sand boxes with Keira and LJ. We said good-bye to our friends and headed back to my parents house to load up the SUV. We barely fit all 6 of us and my dad along with all of our bags. I was really worried how we would get everything in the the new minivan. We arrived at the airport super early and managed to be one of very few people checking in at Terminal E. It took 3 of those luggage carts to get all 11 bags and four carseats into the terminal. I was so thankful it was empty because it meant the boys could wander around a bit without bothering anyone. We got all checked in and then headed to security. We managed to get the carry on bags and carseats through security and up to the gate area. The only disappointment was the food selection in the terminal. There was only one restaurant and a couple little stands that sold sandwiches and drinks. Again, it was fairly empty since we were early and the boys were able to run around a bit. We got the boys all changed into their pajamas and ready for bed before boarding the plane.

We were allowed to board just after First Class because we were traveling with children. We all got down the ramp and into our seats. Unfortunately Jude's carseat didn't fit in the seat and had to be checked. We managed to get Jonah's carseat installed but he was really iffy about sitting in it. He actually sat in my lap for take off and until he fell asleep for the night. James and Jude both stayed up really late and didn't sleep much during the flight. Jonah slept off and on in his carseat and cried for a little while a few times during the flight. Brian and I hardly slept as we were busy getting Jude and Jonah settled. We were all extremely glad when we landed at Heathrow. We let everyone else off the plane before us out of necessity. We couldn't get the belt unlatched from Jonah's carseat and had to wait for a flight attendant to help us.

Once off the plane, it was off to border control. We filled out our paperwork on the plane so that was taken care of. Alas, since we were the last off the plane, we were also the last in line. Poor Jonah was so tired and was not cooperating (wanting to sit in the stroller and be quiet). Thankfully an older woman who was working at the time took pity on us and moved us to the front of the line. It took quite a long time for our family to get through corder control as they had to look over the visas for the four boys as well as get fingerprints for the older two. Once that was finally done, we were able to claim our baggage and head out to the car. Again, it took 3 carts to get everything out to the car. It was definitely a challenge to get four carseats installed in the car (well two carseats and two booster seats) while in the parking lot with four boys. Thankfully everyone and everything made it safely into the car and we headed to our new home.