Dear Todd,

My Dear Todd,

For some reason, I seriously could not think this past weekend.  Really could not think...  Utterly distracted, I guess, with thoughts of missing you...  

What happens when you 'aren't' quite thinking right???   Well for me..

To name a couple, I am sure there are more...

1st - went to costco.  needed gas (again) - you know to save money go to Costco.  The gas prices are getting scary again.  Well, as it was pumping, I noticed I was getting the expensive gas...   Wow, that was counter productive..

2nd - Ok.  You know how much I love my baby bird...  Well, it is really cold in the bird room or was this weekend, and i promised the kids I would stop moping (or at least take a break from it) and take them out to a movie.  So, I turned the little portable heater on and aimed it at our bird girls...  Only, to come home and realize..  I didn't turn the heater on.  Yah, I kind of turned on the  fan instead....  ugh.  Poor birds... So, not only was it chilly, but care of me, they got a little windchill factor going on too.. 

and 3rd - to top it off.....  I told the kids to pick a movie.  i didn't care, remember pouting and sulky.  They picked some violent, dramatic flick. i guess I kinda did car, because I really wasn't up for violence.  So I quickly, semi-awarely glance down the movies - see Owen Wilson's face...  And think.  He is usually in funny, lighthearted flicks lets see that.... I need an upbeat distraction.   :(  Movie was going to start in 10 mins, so we rush over, get seats and I didn't think much about it.

I think I should have won some 'Best Mom' Award...   Wow, gravely inappropriate!!!   Just as a warning, a heads up to those of you out there.   I kept telling the kids to cover their faces!  Oh My Gosh.  It was funny, but I am sure my face was three shades of red by the time we left.  Poor kids, sorry.  Mommy was having an off day.  Well, I guess you are a little more uhm, 'well rounded'...  I told them it was kind of like my trip to India - a little shocking!

Anyhow, I love YOU, and despite coughing all night.  I feel MUCH better today.  (:

Love,

Tammy

The Search for a New Jacket

Ok - so, today was Sunday - and I thought I'd go and search for a replacement jacket. I went and talked to the hotel concierge and he suggested I take the Airport Express train and go to Kowloon. The round trip ticket was 90 HKG dollars, which is about $11.55 US. Not too bad. If you recall from my last blog, the hotel is next to the airport. So, I was able to walk over to the airport and then get on the Airport Express train.

The train was very 'new' and modern - more so than anything I've seen in the US. It even said 'free wifi' on the train... I wish I had known, I would have brought my phone - could have at least done facebook while I was on the train!

They even have a little indicator to let you know where you are on your journey. I thought that was pretty neat:

So, once I got to the train station in Kowloon, I jumped on one of their buses to go in to town.

Well - I had a map.. But, I couldn't read it very well - so I walked around... And ended up finding some place that used to shoot off cannons at noon so that the boats would know what time it was, or so the sign said. Here are a few pics of this place:

and this next one reminded me of my love

So - then I found the malls... It was a bit like 'rodeo drive'... everything was prada this and armani exchange and name brand name brand name brand... Where's 'Jackets for Fat People'? I couldn't find that store.

Oh, and in every food court, there were these 'Healthy Treat' places

anyhow - if you didn't know, I hate shopping - even for myself! I will say, though, that the sales people in the stores were NOT pushy or annoying. They stayed their distance and were waiting to 'help' any way they could. That was a nice change...

Ultimately, after looking for 3 hours, I couldn't find ANYTHING. I found 1 jacket that sort of 'fit' but it looked WAY to chick-like (I wanted to get a pic of it, but it seemed weird). Then, my stomach was still feeling 'ich' - so I went back to the hotel... :(

Tomorrow I'm supposed to take a bus to get to the client site. Maybe there will be somewhere to get jackets over there? I'll take pics and update tomorrow night. Meanwhile, here are a few more pics from the day.

The ship in the back is an NCL ship - made me remember/miss my time in Alaska with Tamara...

Dear Todd,

A note and update, to my Sweet, while he is away....

Hello Love.  Last night and this morning was rainy and sooo cold. Kayla hung out with friends, til I was too tired to stay up any longer and picked her up at 10:30pm.  Her friends seem really awesome.

This morning, despite the frigid temps, Krystin was eager to do well in Track, so when there was a break in the storm she asked to go to the track to train and practice. 

I am not exaggerating. 

It was, seriously cold.

You know those little hills by our house, yes they have snow on them.

Sorry the pic isn't great, but you get the idea.

While Krystin warmed up, 

Logan and I cuddled together to keep warm. 

Yah, Logan is wearing shorts.

So, Logan timed Krystin 

and Yes, she ran in her track suit.

I tried to convince her to keep wearing her sweats, 

but alas she said they would impede her speed.

Anyhow, it is almost 5pm here.

I am not sure what we are going to do this evening, probably just hang and watch movies.

Well, we all Love and miss you lots!

From India to Hong Kong

Hi Everyone -

It's another guest blog from me. I'm not as good at this as Tamara is, but I wanted to chrono my trip from India to Hong Kong. The trip started Friday morning the 25th. I went to the Noida Sapient office. Here is a pic of what the road looks like and the buildings and stuff- to put India and Hong Kong in contrast.

I went in to the office and I had a head cold - so I took some dayquil... Thankfully, Tamara had left me some Famous Amos - first time I've had something that reminded me of 'home'. That was nice.

Shortly after that, I came down with some sort of stomach bug... Hopefully not dengue fever or malaria or some crazy thing like that. But, anyhow, I had meetings with the Web Apps team all day long - and had to be on my toes... I had to explain to each sub-group how their project was going to be incorporated into the Content Management System... Lots of technical thinking, talking, questions, etc. It was HARD! Thankfully, this is my 'thing' - so, I was able to kick -butt. It's nice to finally have a 'thing' that I'm actually really good and knowledgeable on. Years of doing this has paid off and I'm not just talking out of my butt (sorry).

Ok, so, meetings and work went straight through to 730pm at night -at which point I went down stairs and got in a Sapient car/cab and got a ride to the airport. Going to the airport on a Friday night - VERY interesting. To say that the way they drive in India is scary would be an understatement. As Tamara has already mentioned - not only are there cars going in all different directions and honking (see her video from the Taj trip!), but there's people, and cows, and motorcycles, and and and! Insane!

So, I made it to the airport by 9:15pm (stomach hurting and all) - and I get past the Indian dude with the semi-automatic weapon (I wanted to take a picture, but didn't want to be shot, so I didn't). But, then I had to go try to get a seat... So, let me explain. The project I'm on is for an airlines. As such, when flying to their HQ (in Hong Kong), I am to fly on their plane - on their dime... They don't want to re-imburse Sapient for travel costs when they own their own planes! So, good news is that I was checked in for Business Class (seriously nice seats!)... Bad news is that I was 'waitlisted' - meaning all paying customers come first. So, when I got to the ticket desk they told me the flight was full, to go and wait until 10:30 (flight's at 11:50) - and come back and check then....

Ok, so, brief intermission in the story here... There were these elephants at the airport... So, here are a few pics of those elephants. Ziggy begged for an elephant ride!

So, I hung out on a concrete bench and tried not to be sick - couldn't eat dinner at this point... And finally went back to the ticketing counter at 10:30. They got me in an economy seat. It was one of those seats that backs against the bulkhead, so it doesn't lean back... Unfortunately. But, it was a seat..

So, then I had to go through customs. I don't know what the deal is with India and customs but they move at the speed of MO-LASS-ES... SERIOUSLY! Here's a blurry picture of that line:

So, I get through that line and then have to go through security. They asked me to put all of my things in a bin. Only, the bins at the Delhi airport are 1/5th the size of the bins in America. So, I jam all my stuff in the bin, and they have me put my jacket on top (the brown jacket that I love that you can see me wearing in the Taj pics)... and somehow, when the whole thing comes back out on the other side, the jacket is missing... Only, I didn't realize it because an announcement overhead said, 'last call for boarding for flight CX694 to Hong Kong'... and the terminal was the FARTHEST away... so, I start booking it...

It's only after I get into my seat that I, of course, realize I don't have my jacket... :( Between being sick and very tired, I felt like crying. I know that seems silly - to cry over a jacket - but, it was a piece of me - it was from Tam's mom a few Christmas' back - etc. and it had my passport photos (not passport, just photos, thankfully) in the pocket... GRRRR!!!!!! I asked the flight attendant and she talked to the ticketing agent, and they talked to security and there was nothing.. they told me security immediately throws stuff away... Oh well...

So, I don't know why - but, between my stomach and the loss of my jacket, I couldn't sleep. Thankfully the airlines has free in seat movies - so I watched a movie... the flight itself was only 4 hours and 25 minutes... So, I watched the movie and then slept for about 1.5 hours.

So, we land, and I get off the plane, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the view:

The picture doesn't do it justice, but mountains, clouds - clean looking air... Then I go to customs - fearing it's going to be a nightmare - nope - 1 person in front of me... The guy looks at my business letter - looks in my passport for a work permit, looks at the letter again (for like all of 2 seconds) and then stamps my stuff and says to have a good morning... That's it. 1 minute, max... and I'm in Hong Kong.

So, the terminal has burger king, starbucks, godiva, 7-11, etc. I got starbucks for breakfast (which, in retrospect was a mistake with the stomach thing):

But, finally, the pastry tasted like a PASTRY! My chocolate drink was a little odd - but, that's ok.

I then walked over to the Regal Hotel, which is attached to the airport. But, they told me that I had to come back at 10:00 to check in, it was only 9. With my stomach hurting, no sleep, loss of jacket, etc, I went and found free wifi back in the airport so I could say hi to Tamara.

Oh, here's a pic of the Hotel and the hotel lobby - far cry difference from India:

and

So - finally, got to check into my room. Here are a few pics:

and

and crashed out for several hours... I woke up to do this blog and have SOMETHING to eat. I ordered more water, 7-up, and... Haagendaas. I know - that's not the best thing to order - but, finally, ice cream that tasted the way it's supposed to! It tasted like actual ice cream!

Well, I'm still not 100% - but I'm feeling better after the rest. I'm going to go back to sleep (it's 10:45pm here) and then figure out how/where to get a jacket tomorrow - not sure what there is to do. Depending on how I feel, I'll either lay around or go out and explore - it's less scary here... FAR LESS SCARY!

Here are some more, bonus pics, of the journey to HK:

- Ziggy keeping me company (thanks Krystin!) -

- Random pic of me for Tam -

- Random bilboard -

- Godiva -

And, finally, chocolate ice cream...

Good night.

Kayla - Wisdom

I have said it before, but I must say it again -  my Kay is a wise one. (:  

I respect her mind, her thoughts, and her opinions.

I was speaking with her last evening, and expressing my great sadness over the absence of Daddy, especially the unexpected- extended absence.   I said to her, "why do I get SO sad when I am away from Daddy."  Seriously, not super rational.  I know I will see him again.

In her wisdom, she thoughtfully said, "Mom, of course you feel sad.  It makes sense.  He is your life partner.  He is your other half.  It is to be expected to feel bad when your other half is far away."   Simple statement, but very wise and true.

I love my Kay!

And I do miss him terribly.   Snoring and all.

But, I am grateful for amazing children, the kind of kids that make the sun shine that much more brightly each day, even when dark clouds of sadness seem to appear.  .  . 

Journey Home

The journey from India back to LA is a bit grueling, especially when you don't have your cute travel buddy to cuddle up to.   It is a little longer than the journey to India - spinning of the Earth and head winds and all.  Also, depends on your path.  The way out we went through Germany.  The way back - I went through South Korea.

First of all, here are some of my recommendations:

1st - before you set out on a journey that is approx 27 hours from airport to your home - make sure you do NOT leave after 3:30am, and make sure to sleep the night before - really do NOT stay up til 4 am and get up by 7am that day before...  Bad idea.

2nd:  when you are looking at the seat plan on the plane - don't focus as much on having the seat next to you free, as much as the seat BEHIND YOU.  more on that in a bit.

3rd - really - travel with a travel buddy.  The window is not very warm or cuddly...  and i couldn't stop coughing so the little asian lady on my first flight through on a mask and looked scared.  what to do.

Anyhow, journey home....

We were super exhausted and didn't eat dinner after Todd's work day completed, so when we were at the airport at 1am we were a little hungry, and look what we found!

Now, I had no clue but apparently I am an ice cream snob.  

I mean it looks like ice cream, but tastes like - i don't know.

Todd seemed to like his.  

I could only handle half a scoop.

and my tummy was NOT feeling well.

Man - I miss that guy!  

SO SAD!!!

Ok.   just to clarify.  Originally we were going to fly home together on Friday, and then Todd's work had to jump through some legal loop holes to find a way for him to fly to Hong Kong, as he doesn't have a work Visa.  Hmn...  Sounds a little scary to me....   So, HK was up in the air.  But, they supposedly found a way.  

Well, Zoey was excited to head home!

Even though, she was going to miss Zigster.

My plane was delayed an hour an a half, which was fine.  My stop over in Korea was for 4 hours, so just cut some of that time off.

big plane..

In case you are curious about airplane food.  Shortly, after boarding I was given this little sandwich thing.  Odd. they cut off the crust.  My tummy wasn't super happy, so I just ate a bite or two. Some sort of chicken thing.

 

a few hours later (which should have been breakfast time)

they served us this... Mmmm more chicken.  

Uhm, Where IS my brownie?

The first flight was not super long, just over 6 hours, but I couldn't sleep, cause I KEPT COUGHING!

Cough drops didn't help.

Bottle of water didn't help...

Korea airport was super cool!

It is brand new and set up for the commuter.

Only problem, my adapter didn't fit in the plug (kept falling out, so I couldn't charge anything)

 Yes, the Korea Airport has a Dunkin donuts.

too bad wasn't feelin' up for it.

 best idea ever...

 Oh, and as an FYI...

At Korean airport. 

Even if you buy the bottled water there (after going through security again)

They will take it from you as your board the plane.  

Yes, they will.

They go through your bags.

And even if you explain you need it, cause your coughing - doesn't matter.

 Ok, so back to the choose your seat wisely thing.  Back in India, while waiting for my flight there were these two cute little Indian girls about 2 and 4 years old (with their granparents, i am guessing).  It was 3 am when we left.  They were a bit cranky and loud.  I gave them some little kid playing cards to placate their tantrums (don't ask why I had them on me), and hoped they would not be anywhere near me on the plane.  I was tired.  First flight - score - entirely different section.  Their wines and screams were buffered. YES!

Second flight...  the 11.5 hour flight.  The SCREAMER was directly behind my seat!   Seriously.   Apparently, she has a SERIOUS allergy to sitting still and wearing seat belts.  yes, i understand.  I have three kids.  I understand.  But, I didn't feel well, and was exhausted...    Oh, and apparently, screaming is not her only means of communicating frustration, she also felt the need to kick my seat repeatedly and take the tray and slam it over and over... And as I was laying my head on my pillow - she tried to grab it from me!  I have limits little girl.  I mean come on, she has her own.  I was like AWESOME!  

Then, I remembered, Todd bought me some awesome head phones.  Earbud type, most don't fit my ears, cause my ears are too small.   don't ask.  anyhow, perfect ear buds, block out even the screaming of a little one!!!!  Magic.  And  then. I never thought I would be so thankful for EXTREME turbulence on the flight.  Barely even felt the wild kicker.   I actually got a little rest!   

Zoe's and I had fun watching the Plane GPS

 Zoey longing for home.

I was so thankful to reach home!!!

LAX was wonderful. 

So nice.

New perspective!!!

Well, I planned my flight to land in time for me to run home, shower and be able to pick up my sweet kids from school!  Yes, zombie Mommy - but still Mommy there for them!  

Now, I am home!  

I am still not feeling 100%, but really I missed a couple night's sleep.

It will be a little bit I am sure.

I am still coughing too.  grrrr.  I don't do well with dusty air at all.  So allergic.  

and I am hoping that this little diddy doesn't have any consequences...

 

 Yes.  a stupid, darn MOSQUITO bit me the first day I was there.  

7 days later - the bite is almost gone...

Yah, what did the CDC say - Delhi has an extreme incidence of Dungue fever right now.  

Awesome!  

Here's to hoping, I got bit by one of the NON-Malaria or Dungeu fever mosquitos.

Todd is going on to Hong Kong in about 12 hours.

I left him my camera, so he can continue the journey. (:

I miss him way too much. 

It is kind of ridiculous how much.  

Any how, take care and I am sooo happy to be home!

Whirlwind tour...

Just a quick update...  

The real reason for this trek to India was very apparent yesterday.  Todd was deeply engaged in meetings from the moment we arrived at the office at 9am til the wee hours of the morning - we didn't leave til close to 3 am.   It was hard for me to restrain myself and not run into that meeting and just grab Todd and say - ENOUGH is ENOUGH - you are exhausted - we are OUT buddy.   But that is the nature of the game, deadlines, timetables, racing against the clock, especially when you have people together that have journeyed a far distance to make things happen, and a client is tapping their finger on the table waiting for your attention, albeit virtually.  

I am heading home this evening at 2am - India time (which, I know is technically tomorrow, but you get the idea).   Yesterday, they had Todd cancel our flight arrangements to come home this weekend together, as the client is in Hong Kong and needs Todd's special attention.   However, as of today, it does not look as though he will be able to journey on to HK this weekend - d/t visa requirements (which, btw, we KNEW about yesterday)...  They are still trying to figure things out, but sheesh make a plan already and stick to it!

So, tonight, I will journey the 23 ish hours to return home, by myself.   Here's to hoping everything will go smoothly, as I have no cell reception or wireless connectivity, which makes the separation from everyone seem that much greater.  Oh, and the stopover is in South Korea, strange huh?!  I was hoping for Germany again - chocolate.  Need chocolate.  The good news is each leg of the journey, I am that much closer to home, my babies, my creatures, my bed and FOOD that I LIKE!  (:

Wish me luck, well and Todd too!   I will write again when I am back on the other side of the planet.  

Love to you. (:

India - Day 3 (Part 2)

Day 4, quickly then Day three part 2...   Ok.   I am sitting at Todd's office.  It is now 9:30pm India time, we got here this morning , before 9am, and he is still in meetings, going strong I should say!   Eek.  No break for dinner, this company is 'intense'.   I have been just reading mostly, as I did not have internet on my laptop.  However, at 7:20pm a nice Indian gentlemen that we happened to ride in with this morning, so nicely came over and hooked me UP!!!  Yah the last hour and a half have been SWEET!   It only took 5 mins to upload all the pics and the video!   YAY!!!!!   I am not quite sure how this week will turn out - here there or what not, crazy client issues.  Will keep you posted.  

Anyhow, back to the topic at hand -  The Taj Mahal

Ok, I don't know if it was jet lag, brain circadian rhythm confusion, or just pure excitement over going to the Taj Mahal, but I could NOT sleep.  I woke up around 1:30am and was awake.  I tried to be quiet (didn't turn on lights or anything), but by three am Todd was awake too. Yay!  Someone to hang with in my sleeplessness.   We were supposed to be up and ready to go by 5am anyhow, so heck why not get up and showered at 3 (remember that is really 1:30pm our time, anyhow, or at least that is what my brain was telling me).  

Ready to go?  

Ziggy & Zoey - Check

Water - check

Send kids messages - check

 I posted a little about the 2 hours of dark yesterday, and the neat sunrise...

So...  Here are some street shots as we neared the Taj.

 As we parked and entered the Taj Mahal's grounds - people were swarming everywhere.

You have to pass security before entering.  

Men and women are separated.

The line for women was actually QUITE a bit longer, 

but our tour guide grabbed me and put me at the front.

I am SURE the women appreciated me 'cutting'...

Anyhow, I ended up through the gate before Todd.

I have to say with the amount of security EVERYWHERE in this country

I am not feeling so badly about the airport security...

Ah, so I opted out of the full body scanner and got a full body massage instead.

No big deal!

There are many rules before being allowed to enter.

No gum.

No ipods.

No electronics.

No candy.

and many more, but those were my concerns.

All these rules though are to preserve the serenity and beauty of this sacred place.

Ok, a little background story...

Love Eternal...

Once upon a time, there was young prince named Shah Jahan...

He was to marry a beautiful young (14 yo)  girl named Mumtaz Mahal...

The two met and fell in love 

(even though they were betrothed, sometimes these things work out)

Shah Jahan was anxious to marry her, but according to legend the court astrologers advised him to wait 5 years for a happy marriage...

so he did.

In the mean time, out of political necessity he married two other women.

His heart still belonged to Mumtaz.

Their love was said to be intense.

She always at his side, even in battle, and pregnant.

In the 19 years they were married they had 14 children.

In fact, it was with the birth of her 14th child that she died.

She was said to beautiful not only on the outside,

but through and through.

When she died, Shah Jahan was absolutely devastated.

He wanted to make a tribute to her, that showed his endless love.

It took 22 years to complete...

And his love stands the test of time.....

Everything on the grounds is symbolic, and symmetrical.
MY Type of place...
Todd said if he had infinite money,
he would build me a shrine of equal splendor!
Isn't that so sweet!
(Just as a note.  I would prefer it before I was dead.
Really, I am ok living in it, then you can bury me in it later.)

Just being there was romantic,
and made me appreciate that much more
how much it means to have someone that you love so much as your partner in life...

People, People everywhere (and supposedly the crowds come later in the day)

This bench is supposed to be the "King's Bench'  

Where presidents and kings a like have sat upon.

Todd & I were fine passing on waiting in the long line for our turn! 

 We liked this bench better,

So did Z & Z

(they were stunned with the romance of it all)

It really is truly indescribable how magnificent this nearly 400 year old monument is.

Every detail of the solid Marble construction is pristine and breath taking.

The Entrance 

(No pics inside)

To protect the marble, no one is allowed to enter without coverings on their shoes, or barefoot. 

With your ticket you receive your booties. (think hosp shoe covers)

There was a VERY long line to enter, and the men with guns

made sure it moved smoothly with NO gaps. 

If you didn't move up immediately they were ON YOU! (;

And since India is a "Free Country" as I was told:

No cows though.

More pics of us, cause the tour guide insisted.

I swear I wasn't feeling super photogenic...

But, a once in a life time chance - so CHEESE!

 

Besides - Todd is pretty adorable!

It's hard to tell in pics, but the top of the Taj is cut like a diamond.

It is made of this EXTREMELY hard White marble (every last bit of it), that is said to glow on the full moon.  The marble has natural sparkle to it as well, so when the full moon shines through it - it shines a kin to a diamond (so we heard).   Also, the flowers that are extensively etched into the marble are not painted on, but actually fine gem stones that glow in the light as well.  Radiant.  And they will never fade, as paint would. Four hundred years later and its' brilliance is still beautifully maintained.

The Taj was so beautifully planned out (22 years to make), 

that the surrounding buildings each fram the Taj with their arch ways.

The Taj Mahal was built on the Yamuna River, to enhance it's beauty.

 

There are 16 gardens, and 53 fountains, 

to commemorate the year of completion 1653

 There were monkeys, dogs and parrots playing in this garden.

 

and Chip too (Dale ran away before I could catch him in my camera!)

It's a chipmunk, even though our tour guide insisted it is a squirrel (LOL)

 

Our tour guide showed us where all the cool pic taking spots were

and took the pics.  Wow, free photog service!

Even the honey comb carved marble in the Taj frames the surrounding buildings.

See the honey comb below to Todd's left

Once upon a time, the waters were filled with Rose petal water,

and the grounds were filled with the sweet aroma.

No detail was spared or neglected.

What is Todd looking at, you might wonder?

The interesting ceiling pattern in one of the prayer buildings.

After the tour, our guide had explained that the descendants of the family that carved the marble and essentially made the Taj what the Taj is, still continue the same work. 

They have a shop on the property, where you can see the descendants working on ancient types of devices slowly hand carving the stones.  The poor mans finger tips were ruined from years of carving...  the talent that they poses is amazing.   

Leaving was a bit more challenging than I had really expected, not just because parting is such sweet sorrow.  But, because it was as if we were descended upon by a mob of people that wanted to sell us things.   VERY aggressively.  A little overwhelming.   Luckily, I was smart and asked Todd to please be in charge of all the money, and when they asked me - I just informed them that my husband had the money.  (;  

He is much better at saying, No or negotiating than I am. . .
Thank You Todd - You are awesome!  

The ride home...

 

 If the roads are not scary enough,

it rained on  the way home.

All the motorcycles pulled off the road and waited out the storm.

and just for fun, here is a VERY SMALL glimpse of what the roads are like...

Make sure your sound is on...

 

Ok.  Just found out...  (it is 12:02AM - yes, midnight and we are still at the office)...  That Todd will be going to Hong Kong on Saturday for who knows how long (kinda hoping this isn't the 'how things are going to be in the future).  Originally, they said Michigan or Chicago for travel and home every weekend... India and Hong Kong for weeks on end are not the same!  Anyhow, I can't be away from the kids any longer.  I miss them too much.  So, I will be heading home sooner.  (:  I can't wait to see the kids.  Really not looking forward to 24 hours of flying alone though!!!   Worth it though to see the kids sooner!  

Bonus:  Outside the hotel