the longest "day" ever

On the *very* early morning (4am) of August 1, Jarrod's sweet mother drove us to the airport to begin our return trip to Korea.

Our first flight was from Virginia to California - and though it was long, it went really smoothly - and we were optimistic about the trip.

We arrived in San Francisco a little bit earlier than expected, and were able to walk at a relaxed pace to the international terminal.  We made it to the gate - with some food - shortly before boarding the plane... We boarded our flight and found that we were in the bulk head seating of Economy Plus.. and the man next to us decided to move (ha!) so we had four seats (score!).   And then we waited.  Marc fell asleep. There was a bag on board that belonged to a person that wasn't actually on board - so back to the gate to get it off.  And then we waited some more... this time on the run way.  After waiting for a couple hours TAKE OFF on this 12 hour flight, we found out there was some mechanical problem with the hydrolic-something on one of our engines - so they were calling a mechanic.

Jarrod said it was time to name three positive things.
My top three:
1. I'm glad we didn't crash. Or find out there was a problem during take off.
2. I'm glad Marc is sleeping.
3. I'm glad there is air conditioning...

So after waiting another hour - we find out that the problem is fixed - but the crew is now "illegal" - meaning due to FAA regulations they would not have enough rest time.. or something. So they were looking for a new crew for us.
Awesome.

And a half hour later (at least 3.5 hours of waiting on a plane that was going no where) we were told to deplane, we would be rebooked to Seoul on the next available flight [tomorrow].

1. I'm thankful we didn't crash...
2. I'm glad we get a good night's rest...
3. I'm thankful we are not traveling alone... (one parent with the kids)

So we de-boarded, waited for a crew to come to open the plane and give us our stroller, and eventually got rebooked on an Asiana flight (yes!) the next day.   We made a reservation at a nearby airport hotel, collected our 4 50lb bags, car seat, stroller, 3 carry-ons, and two kids, and hopped on the hotel shuttle to get some MUCH needed rest.  I am pretty sure all of us slept for around 11 hours!

The next day started well - we had a leisurely morning and enjoyed the view and walk path outside the hotel.

Then we packed up all of our stuff and made it back to the airport.  We were ready to give back those 50lb bags!  When we got to the Asiana ticket counter, our reservation wasn't in the computer - and the flight was MAXED out (they rebooked 240 passengers from our flight on any and all airlines going to Seoul).  We went back to United.. and they told us they could get us on a flight (the last 3 seats) the next day (the day Jarrod had to report for work).  OR we could go to Tokyo and then to Seoul - extending our flight time by a couple hours plus an added layover - but at this point we were desperate to get HOME.

It was *almost* time to start naming three positive things again...

Jarrod worked with the lady at the ticket counter (mentioning something about compensation..) and we ended up flying business class from San Francisco to Tokyo and Tokyo to Seoul.  I mean, if we HAVE to have that extra flight - we sure did it in luxury!

(Note: Next time I fly in business class, it would be really nice not to have a squirmy 7 month old on my lap. But it was still. so. nice.  and YES. that is a table cloth on Jarrod's pull out tray.)

 And we finally made it to Korea.. 54 hours after our journey began to arrive at our doorstep at 11pm on August 3.

3 Positive things:
1.  Our kids had SUCH great attitudes during this whole trip.
2.  All our luggage made it back with us!
3.  Home SWEET Home!...
     ....What is that smell? ...who turned off the power to our house and what is in the freezer?!

Oh well.

We made it! Praise the Lord!  We really do appreciate your prayers and are so very grateful to have arrived back in Seoul safely.