We're home!

We survived our trip to Ho-ka-mon-a to visit Grandpa Grape and Wa-na (this is how Brookie says Oklahoma, Grandpa Great and Lawanda). We got to the airport with over two hours before our flight because we didn't know how long it was going to take us to get through security. Because of Brooklyn's asthma they wanted us to take a few special items with us on the plane. We had to take a battery operated nebulizer and another little machine to test her oxygen saturation levels in case she had an attack on the plane. We also had to make sure we had access to oxygen. Luckily the airline supplied the oxygen and the other two items fit into a small carrying case, but with all the rules and regulations about carry-ons, we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time. They didn't even give any of our stuff a second look, but the extra time came in handy when we got settled and tried to give Brooklyn her morning breathing treatment we hadn't had time to do yet. I had some how left behind part of the nebulizer! A huge thanks to Josh for rushing it up to the airport for us. He made it just as we were getting ready to board. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the SLC airport and American Airlines staff that helped us as we got ready to leave SLC. Because of Brooklyn's 'special needs' we had a personal escort on to the plane and once on board the flight attendants were SO wonderful to help us get settled. The kids did amazing on the plane. You are only allowed one lap child per row so we had to split up. Denise sat with Brooklyn next to Jon and I was just across the isle with David who fell asleep before we even got on the plane. He woke up shortly after take off, I think his ears hurt, so I fed him and he went right back to sleep. He slept for most of the rest of the flight, waking up, happy as could be, smiling at everyone, about a half hour before we landed. We gave Brookie a sippy cup during take off to help her ears pop and she seemed completely fine and content sitting on Grandma's lap through out the flight. She LOVED her surprises and her new pink back pack. They kept her entertained the whole time. At least until she fell asleep about the time David woke up. We landed in Dallas/Fort Worth and after we got our rental car, headed to our hotel in Paris, TX. The kids were not so thrilled to be stuck in the car for three hours, but eventually fell asleep and so did I. It was almost 9pm by the time we got a few necessities, dinner and settled in our room, so we decided to wait until morning to venture the 10 miles over the border to Ho-ka-mon-a to see Grandpa Grape ( I love the way she says these). We were a little slow getting up and going the next day (it's hard with 2 small kids especially in a strange place), but after breakfast at Denny's (where we quickly became regulars) we were off to meet Grandpa Grape and Wa-na. They are such sweet people and we we're treated straight off the bat with good 'ol southern hospitality. They were always trying to feed us while we were there and it was always really good food. Lots of fresh vegetables and fruit from their garden and yummy deserts. Brooklyn was shy at first, but they won her over by the time we left. We also got to meet some cousins and an Aunt who lived near by. Jon went fishing twice with the cousins and Denise and I took the kids for their first swim at the hotel's pool. Most of our time was just spent visiting as getting to know everyone. It was really a lot of fun. It was sad to leave, but the kids were ready to go home and we are already planning a trip for next year. The flight back wasn't as great as the first, DFW's staff wasn't very friendly (OK they were actually pretty rude) and then we got stuck on the runway for almost an hour because of a storm that came in just as we were about to take off. David was a little fussy, but overall pretty good and Brooklyn slept most of the way back. Well, that was our trip. I'll have to add pictures later because I'm at work and their at home on my computer. Hope everyone is doing well. We love you all!