Heading to Alaska!

~Alaska 2010~

Way back when, on June 10th, we departed Tampa enroute to Anchorage, Alaska via Houston, Texas and Portland, Oregon. (Is that how you say it?)

As far as I'm concerned, it was totally an uneventful, yet successful beginning. In no time, we were on our WAAAYYYY! I have nothing but positive things to say about all the flights out. (This is probably because I was preparing myself for the worst!) When it came time to board each plane, the parentals and Jon Mike would load the plane with all our luggage (i.e. carry-ons, computer bags, car seat, trolley, etc). Rea and I would hang out in the terminal so she could be "free" for as long as possible. Once we got on, we walked right to the seat, buckled up (RCA is such a pro at this now!!!), got our snacks ready, and took off.

Rea did great with taking off, landing, and turbulence. She would say "whoa, whoa" like it was a ride or something. We did a lot of playing...travel magnet doodle, play-doh, travel aquadoodle pad, snacks, stickers, coloring, more snacks, movies, etc. One of the legs she decided to sleep through it. The legs were perfect for me, just enough time to get off and go to the bathroom (so I didn't have to use the airplane one) and then reload on the grub. We all did a lot of eating just because!

Big whoopty do! We were on the inaugural flight from Portland to Anchorage. Although we were using the same plane (from Houston), we had to unload in Portland and load again. Good news...this allowed us to participate in the celebration that was taking place at the gate. Cake, appetizers, beverages, and OF COURSE, live entertainment! At this point, we were ready to be there!!! Since it was a new flight, it was pretty empty. We each had an empty seat in our row, so Rea had her own seat. Yay! FABULOUS!!!! I drank my beverage and read an entire book on the last leg.

The breathtaking scenery started from the air. It was just amazing to fly in over all the lakes and mountains in the area. Indescribable. Nice airport too.

The first hiccup of the trip happened next...the car seat and trolley didn't make it. Bummer!

While we were straightening things out, Rob took mom and dad to his place. (His car is too small for all of us and we weren't getting the rental until the next day.) We got a loner car seat until they could find ours and then Jon. Rea and I found a bench to hang out on. The others ran into traffic which doubled the time it would have taken them to return. **Keep in mind...at this point, we have been TRAVELING for well over 12 hours and it is now approximately 2:00am Florida time.** We allowed RCA to remove and reorganize every brochure on a nearby tourist information booth while she crawled around on the airport floor and we watched half consciously nearby. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. Rob finally made it back and we were heading home to a bed!!! When we arrived at his beautiful home, it was approximately midnight Eagle River time (4:00AM Florida time) and still light out!

Such a long day, but such a GREAT day! Let the vacay begin!!!