This is the start of our long journey home! This shot was in the car leaving the apartment about 1:00 AM on Saturday Morning. The 30+ hour trip begins just after midnight after a very busy last day in Almaty at the US Embassy and some last minute souvenir shopping. Notice the bright-eyed little girl? A precursor to what was to come...
Here we are waiting for our departure on Lufthansa from the VIP lounge. The cost was about double what it was the last time we travelled here, but still worth it. We had a beautiful private lounge waiting area. The passport and airline people come to you if and when they need any information, they take your bags right out to the airplane. Best of all, we boarded the plane privately. A luxury we usually would not pay for at home.
The weather girl...
Here is how Tansey looked for the majority of the trip. Check out the destination map above her. I can't even make-out where we were at this point?! We had bulkhead seating-which was great for her as she did not sleep but one hour on this flight-so she could move around a little. Tansey decided to wait until we boarded to let loose....all over Mom's leg. We had an agonizing 30 minute wait before the plane took off due to de-icing- so Mom had to sit with Tansey soaking through on her lap. A nice way to smell at the start of a trip. Lovely.
Frankfurt Airport! Getting to feel much more like home! We paid about $9 for a cup of coffee (well worth it) and there is a huge McDonalds here-something we passed on! Notice Tansey still awake.
Waiting for our flight to Atlanta we found an almost empty waiting area at the terminal so Tansey took full advantage of it. The nice thing in European countries is that families with children get in line first-no waiting. Tansey spent her time playing kickball with one of her balls. Still awake.
Homecoming!! After 30+ hours, the only delay we had was departing Atlanta (about 10 minutes), but we made up the time in the air and landed on time! Pretty good for being the last weekend before Thanksgiving! Erik and Aidan were waiting for us at the airport with big smiley face and heart shaped balloons. Sue's Mom and Dad met us along with a surprise visit from her sister Carron and daughter Kimberly! (I think Geoff was already sleeping in this shot). We were so happy to see the boys, I can't even describe it. Tansey, still awake, was taking it all in. She did sleep a full night in her own bed though!