Sightseeing? Well really we were lost...

Sightseeing? Well really we were lost.  Have you ever been giving directions in a foreign country, we have and let me tell you it is a little frustrating.  Everyone's directions all were the same go straight ahead and turn.  You know what we did and let me tell you, WE WERE LOST!  We took off out of the hotel by 10 am in search of a new american converter, because Dad's had burned up.  There was supposed to be this BIG international store that would have them.  To say the least it is still yet to be found.  We searched for 4 hours, before we finally said, we give up.  Three U-lines, two busses, four grouchy adults and one grumpy five year old we decided that was enough.  We got directions finally from someone that spoke english and found a store called Conrads and found us an adapter plug that would let us charge the computer, but we were not able to find a converter.  It was a very frustrating afternoon.  We decided that after we found the adapter plug we were going to make it a better. We stopped at a store called Kofhof, which we felt like it was comparable to a Macy's or JC Penneys.  With it being so close to Valentines day there was a lot of chocloate available.  So we felt we must oblige and try some of the delicassies.  Then we hopped back on the U-line at Henreich Heine Alle and rode for AM Seestern.  The boys all went back to the hotel and Mom and I went in search of supper.  We decided that we were going to eat like the locals.  We went to a grocery store and bought fresh cut salami, german ham, awesome mustard, bleu cheese, brie cheeses, oranges, bananas, and cherries.  We found a bakery right next door to the market and bought a baguette, a small round loaf of bread, and peach streusel.  It was SO awesome.  We laughed and joked had a wonderful end to a day that was a little taxing.  I have to say we turned the day around and had a great time, everyone went to bed happy, full, and tired. 

We are HERE!!

So I have to say that 10 hours is a very long time to be stuck in an airplane with 350 people.  We loaded at Denver at 5:15 and were the very first in line to get on board.  Blye was SO excited!  We were delayed a small bit, because we were waiting for the water to unfreeze.  I don't know why it was only 12 below.  So we took off and Mr. Blye was stoked.  His attraction with what was going on outside only lasted for about 15 minutes.  The cloud cover made it a little difficult to see anything.  His interest soon turned to the monitor on the back of the seat and that is where the game began.  The airline gives you the great little headphones, the problem was wiggle wort wouldn't sit still to keep them on, so about every 5-10 minutes I was chasing a set of headphones.  The flight was fine through snacks and supper.  By the way Lufthansa has the BEST airline food we have ever had.  Blye got his first which was nice, because the guy in front of him was very tall and always had his seat leaned back, so we could only use my tray to set things on.  I could not believe how much food Mr. Blye had to eat and it was all so neatly presented.  He had chicken strips, with corn and mashed potatoes with the skin for the hot dish, and salad with slices of chicken, pudding with chocolate sprinkles, orange juice, sliced fruit, and a milky way candy bar.  That was just HIS!  For our supper we had a choice of Pasta with fresh marinara sauce or chicken with vegetables and mashed potates.  There was an awesome pasta salad with olives and tomatoes, a roll with rosmary in it ( my favorite) ,a brownie and all the wine, beer, water, and juice you could drink.  After supper they urned the lights down and everyone settled in for an on again off again kind of nap.  Between babies, old men snoring(not Grandpa), and the turbulence there was little sleep to be found for us.  Mr Blye slept very well between Gary and I's chests.  We worked in shifts so neither one of us was too ore for too long.  The thing that was nice was we did have a great selection of movies.  There was Due Date, RED, Wall Street-Money never sleeps,and Any Given Sunday that is all I can remember right now.  I have to say flying is very similar to camping though, when you have to use the restroom it is a little walk and you don't sit on the seat.  Changing Blye was a feat as well there there was a table dropped down over the toilet and chasing him all over the place was a little interesting.  There were only 2 times he actually put his foot in the sink and turned on the water. 
When we landed in Frankfurt, we were met with a Courtesy from Lufthansa and she walked us through everything, they even called an ambulance for support if we needed it.  Have to say that Hospitality in Germany is far better than anything at DIA.  When we arrived in Dusseldorf we had the most awesome airport worker who came up with his wheelchair and then stayed and helped us with all of our luggage and took us to meet Ralph.  Ralph is the driver for the X-Cell Center, who fit in great with our bunch.  We knew it right away we were in good company when he popped off right away.  I was taking pictures like a mad woman and he was pointing out all sorts of things along the way.  We arrived at the hotel and realized that we hadn't ate lunch and ended up eating supper at 5:30 here at the hotel and went to bed immediately.  I think that the ease into this time zone isn't as bad as we thought it would be.  We were wiped.

Waiting...

So we are here at DIA!  Our flight is on time, our bags are checked and we look like we could still fill another car full of luggage.   Our carry ons are sitting in 3 chairs and all over the floor.  Both the "boys" are watching all the activity on the ground.  Grandpa and I are here talking to you. Everything went so smooth and went a lot better than I anticipated.  Now all we have to do is get on the plane and enjoy the ride.  They told us that we are to board at 5:10 and we will go first where Mr. Blye needs his chair, they will set us in first so that everyone else can get to theirs.  So I know it is short, but we are here, and we are ok.  I think that I can breath now.  My nerves are still there a little, but it is all worth it to see the smile on the most awesome little boy in the world.  Love ya!

Ready...Set...GO!

So I am restless and I thought that to get my mind drained so I can finish trying to go back to sleep.  We are FINALLY all packed 2 checked bags each that are just under the 50lb weight limit.  Gary and I have only on carry on and Mr. Blye has two.  We tied orange ribbon on all the luggage and have everything labeled and tagged.  I feel like we were getting ready for summer camp.  I remember when I was a kid in the summer and getting ready and Mom was armed with a sharpie and tape and everything got your mark on it.  I am soooo excited!  Blye took a while to go to sleep tonight he is understanding all of this very well, he knows that in the morning he has to eat breakfast, take a bath and then he get to go on the airplane.  I am so glad that we all are getting to experience this together.  Granpa, Granma, Dad, Mom, and Mr. Blye are adventuring together, leaving on a jet plane, and going to a land yet to be seen by us.  So I am gonna cut this short, but I wanted all of you to know we are ready and leaving tomorrow.  DIA will be another set of lights below by 6pm tomorrow night. Mwaaa and goodnight ;)

1 day, 19 hours...

1 DAY 19 HOURS...so if that just didn't make the butterflies turn into birds.  I am getting SO, So, so...well I really don't know what I am getting.  I know I have said this many times, but it is all these emotions that I am feeling and trying to keep them in check, I do want to say is very difficult at times.  I know that in the past few days I have gone through moments that I really don't know how to explain. Sitting and thinking I will just burst into tears, then I will start giggling, then unbelievable butterflies, and then PaNiC.  This is one of the craziest roller coasters I have ever been on, and I LOVE roller coasters.  This one is just that the tracks are being built as I ride and I just don't know if I am going through a tunnel or a loop 'd loop.
I have to say though I AM figuring out one thing.  GOD is in control.  The past couple days there were things that were popping up that I was letting fog the big picture.  I had a wonderful friend tell me that every once in a while God has to remind us that ultimately he is in control.  You know what?!?  HE IS?  Funny I have to be reminded of that? ;) The best thing I did was give that to God and let him take my burdens, and he showed me that when I give it to him he will provide.  You know he has always said that, but I guess I have to be shaken a little harder to actually listen.  Guess you could say I am a little bullheaded. 
So we are down to the nitty gritty.  E-mails have been sent for our flight confirmations, the airline has been called only a million times to verify things.  The TSA website has been checked for prohibited items and we have packed most of the luggage without taking the kitchen sink.  Now it is time to see if we can't try and get some sleep before we leave. 
I want to thank you all for reading and we will keep sharing.

4 Days 20 hours

So today was a tough day.  First last night we got a call that Uncle Junior was in the hospital, with some form of pancreatitis and his levels were through the roof.  So trying to go to bed was hard.  We got up this morning and it was a whorlwind of a day.  I did have a great conversation with Allie Broderick this morning and released a lot of uneasiness that I had with the trip.  Nana and Pappo Ruff came up today and spent time with our little hero.  Bringing lots of hugs and kisses, and gifts to spoil him they spent most of the day with him and I was so thankful.  I really had missed them too and it was great to see Blye play and have fun with them.  Since we have pulled him out of school I feel terrible that he doesn't get to see his friends all the time and I know that we both are feeling the isolation become overwhelming.  The great thing is I have talked to his teacher and we are going to go up to the school on Friday and see all the kids and say goodbye.  I hope that it all goes well and I hold it together.  Back to the day being tough, I have just really started feeling the emotional stress.  I was having trouble with getting all the stuff with our hotel worked out the last couple days and it finally came together this morning.  The weird thing was the stress seemed to not lift as much as I wanted. My Dad did call and let me know too that Junior is doing ok and they think that his galbladder is the culprit and they are going to remove it.  I think that I can sum it all up with a famous phrase that a good friend and I used to say when you felt overwhelmed..."To much chicken!"  Tomorrow will be better, I know it, I just need to not let it all get to me.  So here's to 4 days and 20 hours...    

5 Days 19 hours...

So here we are sitting on the couch after another day has flown past us.  Suitcases are starting to take up residence in the living room and a little boy is about to go crazy everytime one gets packed.  Me well every time I pick something up to pack it, all I can think about is what will our life reveal in these upcoming 2 weeks and really wonder what we are in for.  God, has a plan and trusting him has put me on my knees alot.  I want Blye's life to be better.  The thing is I am trying to not take off with these grand ideas of what his life could be like when we do this.  Am I expecting to much?  It is so hard to say that if I could just pick one thing.  What would it be?  To make his life easier that is all I pray for.  He is the most wonderful little being that has graced our lives.  When times are great he smiles, even when they are tough he still smiles.  So on Blye's philosophy in life, smile a lot, love with your all, and give the best hugs you can.  So, with all this anxiety that I am having with packing bags, getting through the trip, trying to finailze the details, I need to remember that it is in God's hands and I need to trust in him.  So off to bed, with another day and 5 days and 19 hours to go when we step on a plane and reach the stars.