Let me first start off by saying, if you want an up to the minute report out on our adventures in Michigan, check out Malin’s blog at  minusa.blogg.se  She keeps it up to date.  With us, you are lucky to get this post with all the fun we are having.  Also, we didn’t bring our laptop so pictures will have to wait until after we get home.

OK then.  Friday was departure day.  Our flight was to leave SEATAC airport at 1:38pm.  The boys normally go down for a nap between noon and 1pm.  We were a little concerned especially since Nicholas collapsed, or should I say had a melt down and fell immediately asleep after his first day of school the day before at 11:30am.  We made it to the airport and parked our van.  Adventure number 1 started with the bus ride from the car park to the airport.  The boys 1st bus trip.  We then made them wear their back-packs and tow their luggage to the check in counter.  You have never seen bigger boys.  So cute and so grown up.  They did outstanding.

Lesson #1 – security lines at the airport.  Malin told us about a “family” line that short-cutted the main security line.  Note – it may seem like a good deal but it is not.  We got stuck behind 1 wheel chair, two walkers, and a business executive whose bags kept triggering the security people (seriously, they went through like 5 times each).  This was not a short cut.  We had waited in line a good 45 minutes before making it through.  Of course I get the pat down because of my metal hip.  At the same time, Dexter bumped his head playing and needed his mommy.  Thus, he joined me in the pat down room and thus had to get checked out too, because you know, Dexter is such a total terrorist.  The security guard who first let us into the line went on break just after he checked our tickets.  He came back from his lunch break just as I was done getting wanded.  He was schocked.  “You’re only now coming through?”

Lunch and playing in the kids area at the airport followed.  They had such a good time there.  Then it was on to our first tram ride to our departing terminal.  Once again, the boys took in every moment.  The escalator ride was slightly scary but manageable.  Then the smiles and wonder as Joel explained everything that was happening to the airplanes outside.

Wouldn’t you know it, our plane was delayed.  Nicholas and Dexter amazed us by hanging in there and not crashing.  As soon as Joel left to go to the bathroom, they called to board families first.  Dexter thought that this was a great time too poop.  Malin and I dragged the boys and the luggage to the line.  Joel joined us there.  Joel, Malin and Nicholas boarded the plane and Dexter and I raced to change a poopy diaper.

Once on the plane, the novelty soon worn off as we sat and waited to depart.  Overly tired kids do not like seatbelts.  Both Nicholas and Dexter faded off to slumberland as we taxied down the runway.  They did great on the flight.  No lion roars, only a few walks up and down the aisle way.  Mostly, they sat next to each other and put stickers on cars as the movie Cars played on the DVD player in front of them.  Once again, the only problem we really had was keeping the seat belts on them as we came down for the landing.

We got off the plane at 6pm our time / 9pm Michigan time.  It was dinner time.  We snuck into McDonald’s just as they were closing.  The boys ate while jumping up and down on the benches.  We had not had any time to run around yet.  Nicholas spilled have of his nuggets onto the floor.  Joel was not happy.  We made the boys walk to pick up the luggage which helped them get out some energy.  Grandpa Loren and Grandma Zaidee were ready to pick us up.  A 30 minutes drive followed – and we saw our first deer.

Lots of running around and the boys collapsed around 9pm PST – midnight Michigan time.

Since then, we had a Yates family day in which the highlight was feeding fish, looking at frogs, adopting a caterpillar named Fluffy, and riding around in golf carts. We’ve had a Roberts family day – highlights included playing with dogs, climbing trees, finding poison ivy, and riding around in a riding lawn mower.  We’ve had a slow at home day – Dexter learned to drive.  And we’ve had multiple melt-downs at meal time.

You see, Dexter decided now was a great time to say no.  Dexter does not budge and does not negotiate.  Meals have not been fun.

Other than that, the boys are loving it here.  We went to a beach today and might get thunderstorms tonight.  Loren kidnapped Malin yesterday and they explored Detroit.  I haven’t seen Detroit yet and am a bit jealous.

We will post pictures.  Until then – read Malin’s blog.  My alloted escape time is over.  Back inside to see if the boys are up from their nap. 

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