Home again! Oh does it feel ever so good to be home.
We got an early start this morning. Ellexia didn’t get to the room until after 11:30 last night but she beat me awake at 6:35. We got up, I showered, and then we packed. Everything fit in our two carry on bags. Ellexia had purchased two new sweatshirts and I was afraid we wouldn’t find room for them but we managed to squish everything tight enough to make room for them.
We went out and stood on the deck landing and waited for our deck to be called for debarking. We waited about an hour and they finally called our floor. We carried our bags and went through the lines to get off the boat. We sailed through customs and immigrations without any issues. It took about an hour to get through the checkout process.
Our bus was waiting for us and we got loaded up and within ten minutes the bus took off for the airport. It was about a 45 minute ride to the terminal at the airport.
It took us about an hour to get through security at the airport. Ellexia had packed her water bottle and it still had a bit of water in it so they took it. We could have gone back out and dumped the water and go back through the security line but neither one of us was up for that.
We had to wait about three hours at the airport for our flight. We found a restaurant that was serving breakfast and enjoy a $20 each breakfast plate that was edible but not great. They were busy and service was slow but the food came out rather quickly. Our drinks took a bit longer to show up.
Our flight was on-time and even arrived a bit early. We had about 15 minutes of turbulence as we crossed the Rockies and dodged a thunderstorm.
The shuttle bus at the airport was waiting for us when we got out of the terminal. It took us to our car and we got loaded up and headed home. We stopped at the McDonald’s in Lawrence for dinner as we only had the one meal late morning.
The drive home was smooth and easy and it felt ever so good to return home. Kathy, Michelle and Tagen seemed happy to see us and Ellexia and I were happy to see them. We updated each other on what had happened since last we saw them.
I unpacked the carry-on bags and started a load of laundry. One going – two more to do. It feels good to do a normal thing like laundry.
I trust we made lots of wonderful memories for Ellexia and this trip will be something she remembers for a long time to come. The time with her was priceless to me. We traveled well together and had fun. She tolerated my cautious watching over her most of the time and never did give me any sass.
We are both tired tonight but too tired to sleep yet. I’m sure we will both unwind and get a good night’s sleep.
The heat of KS kinda slapped us in the face as we stepped out of the airport. I certainly didn’t need my sweater this afternoon once we got to KS. First time all week I didn’t have to wear it.
Grateful for a safe trip, grateful for the memories we created together, and grateful to Tagen, Kathy and Michelle for taking care of the home front for us.