Christmas Trip 2009

Michael and I headed to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to visit family.  We had quite the adventure!  We usually do, though, so I wasn't too surprised.  I think God likes taking Michael and I through crazy times so He can deepen our love for each other.  There is something about going through trials that brings you closer. 

Michael was nervous when I booked tickets so close to Christmas.  We had a crazy time two years ago flying around that time so he didn't want it to happen again.  We checked the weather and all looked great for our trip back East!  We had a smooth drive down to Seattle and great flight into Chicago.  We were relieved to see that the weather in Chicago was just rain and no ice or snow.  We got off the plane, looked at the monitor for our next flight and saw the word we never wanted to see:  CANCELLED.  Our plane "broke" which caused us to have to wait for another one the next day (Christmas Day).  After waiting a few hours for luggage that was never coming out (it had already been sent to Ohio) we made our way to The Weston Hotel for the night.  We were exhausted and our baby in my belly was, too, from the stress I fed him :) 

I wouldn't label our time home with family as "relaxing" but it was really good to see so many people we love.  We bounced from one get-together to another the whole time we were there.  It was definitely worth it, though, since we were able to see family and friends we hadn't seen in a long time.  I'm glad my family was able to see me 6 months pregnant, too.  Next time I see them I'll have a baby! 

We ended our trip from Pittsburgh so made our way to the Columbus airport early New Years Day.  We gave ourselves plenty of time to get there since it was snowing in PA. We arrived at our gate about 2 hours before our plan was taking off.  We just relaxed in the chairs, did some crosswords, and most importantly, prayed that we wouldn't have any complications with flights on the way back!

When we got closer to boarding time, the American Airlines woman announced the plane was having mechanical issues (same reason our previous flight was cancelled).  She quickly followed up with "..but we have another AA plane in the hanger that will take your plane's place."  We waited a while for that plane to show up but, by that time, we had been delayed almost an hour.  Michael and I started to get nervous because our layover in Chicago wasn't going to be very long for our connecting flight to Seattle.  There were multiple international flight people on our plane so the AA lady was working with them to get them rebooked so they wouldn't miss their connecting flight in Chicago.  She was SOOOOOOO worried about these internatinoal people that she failed to mention ANYTHING about our flight that had been delayed.  We noticed another Chicago flight leaving at the next gate so Michael walked down there to see if we could jump on that one.  In the meantime, I was still sitting at our original gate waiting to see when she was going to open up the door to let us on.  I looked at the window and saw our plane -- it was dark.  No one was even on it!  Then I glanced at the screen and the monitor said our flight had been delayed another 2 hours!  The lady never told us that!!!!!  I sprinted down to Michael and said we had to try to get on the Chicago flight leaving next. 

Thankfully, we got on the new Chicago-bound flight but ended up missing our connecting flight to Seattle. We had to re-book our tickets to get on another flight.  We arrived in Seattle about 2 hours later than planned and our luggage was still in Chicago.  So we were luaggage-less and tired! 

We made it home, though, safely and that's all that matters!  :)  American is supposed to drive our luggage to our doorstep today.  We'll see if that happens! 

Here are some pictures of our trip ....

Michael and I were starving after being stranded in Chicago on Chrsitmas Eve.  We thought we ordered a small amount of food from a local restaurant but look how much food they gave us! 

This is Michael on Christmas morning in Chicago's airport.  We were exhausted and surprised at how many people were in the airport with us.  (We had been wearing the same outfits for two days now)

Seeing family made the chaos of travelling worth it.  Betsy, Justin, Michael, Kevin, Mom, and Bill.  I look very pregnant in this picture.  I'm not referring to my stomach, either. 

Michael and my daddy!  Michael got that UNC hoodie from him and LOVES it. 

My dad, me, and my 6 month pregnant belly.  Or should I saw my - 4 month old baby :)

Michael and Bill went to the Bengal's game on the 27th.  We became Division Champs that day!  Who Dey!

We travelled to Pittsburgh to see Michael's family.  This is our nephew, Landrum.  Michael is going to be such a great father!  :)

Michael, Penni (mom), and Kristi (sister)...

After I recovered from some lovely food poisoning, Michael took me to The Cheesecake Factory for my birthday! These are two of our favorite meals :)

To end our lovely experience of our travel hassles, we get on the plane to realize our window seat has no window!  What the heck??????