Well, we got here safe and sound and Linny is letting me use her computer, so while Luke takes a nap, I thought I would update you on our trip thus far. Honestly, I was so impressed with how smooth everything went. We left our flat at 8:30 am and drove a little less than 4 hours to catch our flight in Glasgow.
[Side note: we got our crazy-cheap tickets thru Ryanair. They always offer low fares, expecting you to pay for all the extras- checked luggage, taxes, etc. Fortunately, Josh researched it all and we really only paid a pittance. However, we were limited to 3 carry-ons with very specific dimensions and weight requirements. So, we packed light, and I am totally impressed with myself for getting all the essentials and fun stuff for kids, too! I even packed us a lunch for the road to use up stuff we already had at home and to save our eating out money for Germany. Yes I am proud of myself. This is fairly unusual, so I am basking in feeling good about choices I made. 
]
The drive was amazingly easy and the kids were wonderful. We had some extra time, so we parked and ate our packed lunches at a great restaurant where for 2 pds, the kids could play in an awesome play area with slides and a ball pit. It was great to let them get some energy out after sitting for so long and with more sitting in the future. Luke was so happy and so easy and had a ball, too. Then, we got to the airport, everything worked like we thought and we had 3 carry-on’s and our collapsable stroller, so nothing to check. I reclined the stroller for Luke at 2:30 or so b/c he hadn’t had any sleep yet, though you wouldn’t know it by his attitude- delightful! He took his paci, held his washcloth, I strolled him for 5 minutes and he was out for an hour! No fuss! I was shocked, to say the least. The only sad thing was that he awoke right before we boarded and then was angry he had to sit in my lap. So, I let him crawl up and down the aisles when I could and was reminded why I am not looking forwatrd to our 10-hr flight to TX…ugh. I did pack a variety of treats and a Scooby Doo activity pack for Josh and Rebekah to do together and we got the disgruntled baby thru the cramped, hot flight.
The flight was only 1.5 hours and we arrived in Frankfurt, where Scott picked us up and drove us the hour here to Ramstein. (He is a chaplain with the Air Force.) Linny and their daughter, Sarah, were waiting for us with a delicious meal and big hugs! Luke got his 5th wind because of the dog, I think, and was so excited to play and roam. In the car, he would fuss unless I held his hand, which meant reaching across R’s car seat and holding her hand, too. Precious memories. Anyway, the kids were so excited to be here- it is an awesome house with tons of space and Linny borrowed everything we need for the kids, so we are set!
The only downside is that we all sleep in the SAME room! We have done that once- in Chicago in a hotel, when Luke was 5 weeks and awoke every 30 minutes and we ended up putting him in the bathtub…so we are spoiled! We put Luke down in the pack n play (I guess he’s too big for the tun now) and he wailed for 5 minutes (mostly b/c he wanted more dog!) and then was out. Then, we put Rebekah down on her pallet (which she calls her “callet”) which she LOVES and she was out. Both kids went down LATE, so it wasn’t too hard. Then, Josh and I sneaked in and used ear plugs for all the ehavy breathing and light noises. I lay awake for several hours, but the kids really did well. Luke cried out at 1, 4, and 6, but they were all quick and nothing was wrong. Rebekah rolled out of her “callet” and cried about it at 7:30 (6:30 our time) and woke us all up. She wanted to go back to sleep, so I put her back in and then scooped Luke up and got some GREAT snuggle time!! He definitely would have gone back to sleep, but I got them up so Luke could get his good morning nap and then we could go out for the rest of the day. (R had not gone back to sleep). So, all in all, not too bad!!
Rebekah is really excited to be in Germany- yesterday she said in a squeal, “This is my favorite day! Airplanes are so special to me! They are more special than buses!” Then, we got to ride a bus as a shuttle, so it really was an awesome day for her. Evidently, there is a good dinosaur park somewhere and she has been talking about it non-stop! There is also a Chili’s and Macaroni Grill on base, so we’re hoping to hit those, too.
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I'm thankful for the relatively smooth trip. Love the Rebekah comments about EVERYTHING!! So fun. Have a wonderful time. Second night in a new bed is always better for me, hope everyone sleeps better tonight.
Fun! Your time there will be so fun!
sounds like fun, i hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
Glad everything has gone so smoothly thus far and that you are having fun with Scott, Linny, and Sarah!! How precious that it was Rebekah's favorite day!
So thankful it all went well! That is soooo wonderful! You should feel proud of yourself and I think part of everything go well is your great outlook too!!!!! Praise God of the ball pit and play area right before the airplane!!! Love ya!