Spain 2012- getting there is half the battle

Four years ago when Dianna was studying in Florence, Aunt Margie and I went to visit. It was an amazing trip. Since then Kendall has always said she was going to do a semester abroad also. I knew then that we would have kids then and it would be much harder to sneak away. And it all would depend on which stage of prebaby/post baby we were in at the time. So as time got closer and I found out I was pregnant with Carter and due in February, I said there was no way I was going to make it over there. Dianna was in South Korea when I had Kennedy so we weren't able to make that trip and now I was going to miss out on another excuse to make a trip. So February came and went and I listened as everyone made their trip plans. Around mid April, mom was planning her's and she was going to be going by herself. In passing I told Tyler mom was heading to Spain and he said why don't you and Carter go with her. I looked at Dianna and laughed and that was the end of that. The next day I get a text from him that said "Have you looked at flights to Spain?" I texted back "Umm No. Were you actually being serious?" Later that day or the next Dianna is talking to mom and they started talking about Dianna going. She was miserable in her job and was planning on quitting when she moved to Portland anyway so why not just quit early and go. Next thing I know we are all booked and convinced Aunt Lynnie to come. I tried to back out numerous times but Tyler came up with a valid solution to all my concerns. "Quit feeling guilty, the kids will be fine and money is just money we will figure it out" Once tickets were booked there was no backing out and then is was time to fine tune the details of taking care of my big two kids while I was gone. I had my book of instructions and notes all typed up and ready and it was soon time to go.

As soon as it was all booked, I had to get Carter's documents all ready. I was worried his passport would be cutting it close but it made it with time to spare!

Next up was trying to figure out how I was going to pack for myself and a three month old for 11 days under 50 lbs! I am not an earlier packer but the thought of it had me stressed out and wanting to pack way to early. I even had a dream about it. But I did it! When I put my bag on the scale it said 70 lbs! I just about pooed my pants but then it jumped down and teetered around 50/51. Man I did a great job!

This was all Carter's clothes packed and ready!

So now that I was all packed, documents all ready it was time to go. I woke up excited but with a lump in my throat already thinking about leaving my kiddos! I knew they were in good hands and hoped and prayed everything would go smoothly.  My excitement was overshadowed by the thought of telling them bye and already anticipating this sad face:

"But Mommy I want to go too.."

Of course, I cried and had to hug fast before I really lost it. I knew that would be the worst part and once we were on our way to the airport the excitement set in. Everything went so smoothly going. We all 4 started in 4 different cities and met up in Atlanta to make the long trek to Granada.

 Before I ever even got on the plane to Atlanta, Beverly sent me this text. All was good at home, at least for the moment.

  
 We reserved the bulk head seating so we could have the bassinet for Carter. Little did we know, they had redone the airplane and the bulk head seating didn't have the hooks for the bassinets because they know had the personal TVs on them. The stewardess was so sweet and she helped us con the man next to Aunt Lynnie into moving opening up a seat for Carter. Just after take off Carter and Aunt Lynnie were already passed out.

 After the 7 hour flight to Madrid, we then had to make our way to the bus station to catch a 5 hour bus ride to Granada. Carter was all rested and happy as can be. That's better than the rest of us could say!

Spanish countryside

 Everyone else was resting up. Dianna was stretched out on her bus seats and I didn't have the heart to wake her up and tell her her tights were see through and we could see her fancy underwear. I'm sure the Spanish guy next to her enjoyed the show :)

One flight, taxi and bus ride later, we were finally in Granada. Our tour guide was anxiously awaiting our arrival. I wanted everyone to stay on and be the last ones off but they were ready to get off the bus!!

Spain 2012: Let the adventures begin!!!