Mike's annual Schwab conference that he attends is in Atlanta, GA this year. He convinced me that the kids and I should come along - we then decided to extend the trip and spend the first weekend at Hilton Head Island, SC. We left Friday morning (pretty close to on time) and upon arrival to the airport realized I had left my cell phone at home or in the car...Oops! Oh well, we'll just set predetermined meeting spots on the Atlanta leg of the trip. The flight was great (other than all the "stuff" that we brought with us....two car seats, toys, diaper bag, Mike's work bag - and of course the 4 bags we checked. 9 days away sure does require a lot with 2 kids!)
We landed in Atlanta and started to deplane when we discovered that as Mike had tightened the airplane seat belt under the car seat it was now wedged under the hard plastic part of the car seat. Brooke's seat had an easy solution in reclining the plane seat allowing our hand to reach from the back. Clayton's seat on the other hand was in the last row (no recline feature.) The stewardess tried to help...no luck. The pilot then came back (mostly because we were now holding up the next flight from boarding.) Oh and did I mention that this was the new carseat I had just purchased because it would be easier for traveling. Mike and the pilot were both using all their might to get this seat out and finally the pilot stood on the seat which put enough weight on it so that Mike could jam is calculator in to release the buckle. Whew!
Atlanta is a HUGE airport that requires you to get on a train to get to baggage claim. Both kids are walking because we need the double stroller as a luggage cart for the 2 carseats and carry-on items. We got on the wrong train...oops. Then we got on the right train, hurried over to the baggage claim only to discover that our bags weren't there (because we were SO late getting there.) Midwest doesn't have a baggage office in Atlanta and there was no one at the ticket counter. Mike and I were separated at this point (me with Clayton, the stroller and a dolly for the luggage) when I realized we didn't have his computer bag. So now I'm pulling the stroller and pushing the dolly trying to find Mike to let him know. At the same time he had gotten a call from someone that they had found his bag, they called Mike's office, who conferenced him in and he was headed towards lost and found. (remember I have no cell phone) I spotted Mike on the phone waving me to be quiet as I'm trying to get his attention through the baggage claim area that we don't have his bag and he rushes off in the other direction. He came back FINALLY, but we still didn't have our main luggage. The Midwest Ticket counter person came back and let us know that our bags were sitting over by baggage claim 5 (it came in at 8), and so we followed. Turns out they were sitting in the middle of baggage claim available for anyone's taking. Now on to the rental car.
Mike suggested at this point that he just go get the rental car (located off site) and come back to pick us up. GOOD IDEA! The kids and I waited outside for the better part of a half hour with lots of "interesting" people walking by. At one point Brooke took back the toy that Clayton had stolen from her a few minutes earlier. The lady standing there saw and walks past Brooke saying, "GIRL! Whatchu do dat for?!" FINALLY, Mike arrives and we have just one last stop back at the rental place to have me sign so that I'm able to drive to. We got there and as Mike was closing the car door, the corner of the door caught him just above his eye and he's got a nice gash just above his eyebrow. Not deep enough for a Dr. visit (thank heavens!) And, we're off "like a heard of turtles!"
At this point we are all starving (it's now close to 1 p.m. our time.) We pulled off the nearest exit and stopped at a restaurant (across from a pawn shop) - easy decision for drive thru. As I'm opening the bag of food discovered that everything is fried in peanut oil. Today was NOT the day to do any sort of allergy testing given all of our adventures so far. So we ate as he screamed and finally found another restaurant. Bellies full - we're off again. The kids napped for most of the 4 hr drive into South Carolina.
Check in was fine, except we had asked for an ocean front view and were on the 2nd floor (so we had more of a tree line/playground view.) Mike asked if they could switch us the following day and so now we're on the 5th floor - GORGEOUS! We ate dinner at a local pizza place and headed back to the hotel for bed. Day 1 DONE! Whew, but praising Jesus that he kept us safe and showed us the goodness of His people through returned bags and helpful pilots.
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