Now this is where the trip gets interesting...
John got us to the airport right on time and we had no issues checking in or going through security. Once we got inside, I noticed that our time of departure kept getting pushed back more and more and more... eventually the gate attendant announced for all people travelling to different places to come stand in line.
Well, AK and I got in line... second in line... yet she called up individual people to help them and we were the LAST people she helped. And her help? It was to tell us that we would be getting on the 2-hours-delayed plane to Charlotte. (what was unsaid is that at that point was that I would then be the problem of the airline staff in Charlotte and no longer HER problem). The flight from Charlotte to GCM was also delayed but not enough... the plane took off about 10 mins after we landed in Charlotte. The US Airways people were quite sorry that there was no way they could get me back to GCM on that day... so they rebooked AK and I on the same flight next day. I asked about the luggage and was told that they could retrieve it but it would be an hour's wait... no way was I going to do that with AK needing lunch and a nap. So we took off with just our carry-on bags.
When we had landed in Charlotte, the couple behind us mentioned that they thought AK was the best singer on the plane (she had spent about half of the flight singing to herself). I answered that she was probably the ONLY singer on the plane :) but they really did enjoy hearing it! AK is such a charmer and people on planes seem to just adore her. Me included!
The hotel was perfect, the only thing I wished was different was that we'd had our swimsuits. But there was an atrium with lots of little paths and stairs, plants and fountains for us to wander through. AK threw many a penny (and other coins) into the fountains! There was a restaurant attached which I was able to get lunch and supper from. The lobby had a very small store which I was able to purchase a few things from plus the hotel had complimentary toiletries. We were set... except for pullups. Fun times. Especially seeing AK had an upset stomach and pooped in her panties twice as it was just too much for her. Luckily I had lots of spare pairs of panties... but man was that messy.
The hotel also had a complimentary happy hour - sangria for mom and OJ for AK. The complimentary breakfast was the full spread - your usual continental breakfast plus your eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, french toast, etc.
AK and I enjoyed watching TV while we ate our room service supper and she even said a few things to Grandma Z when we called her, including her new favorite phrase "holy moly macaroni!". AK had a great bath (much needed after all those poops!) and settled down to bed easily. I washed out AK's pants while she bathed and hung them to dry - they were still wet in the morning but I finished the job with the hairdryer.
Thinking back over this makes me so grateful that AK is such a wonderful traveler. There were times I was grumpier than her and all I had to do was get a hug or a smile from her and the grumpies were gone. She adapted well to sleeping both at Anna's house and at the hotel. As long as she has a familiar stuffed animal and a good book to read before bed, she's fine.
When we headed back to the airport the next morning, my first order of business after clearing security was to buy AK a new t-shirt. I had seen some M&M shirts the day before and knew AK would love one. The one I bought is far too large on her, but all the better to cover up how filthy her outfit was! I learned a lesson - do not dress a child in pastel colors for a trip! I was tempted to burn her outfit when we got home. Even washing it didn't take some of the dirt out.
The flight home was uneventful and I think AK may even have napped for a bit, not long but enough. It felt so good to get home. Christie and Chris picked us up at the airport and we were able to go straight home. It felt good to go pick up some groceries to stock the fridge, then we met the Babbs for a play and supper at the Doghouse.
Anna has said we need to come back for another visit when their house is done and they're all moved in... it's on the list! xo
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