Alabama! (day 1)

Saturday, August 2nd, 2014

The day we'd all been waiting for... Chris tried to prep work for, he & I stressed about, I shopped & packed for... the day we left for Alabama!

We left the house at 5:05am for our 7:15am flight... and these girls were READY!

We were really doing OK until we pulled into the airport to park and realized that we had a lot to carry... and we were parking far away and there was a lot of people at the airport at 6:15am and we had to check bags and we had to go through security and, and, and... um yes, slight panic set in :)

Checked bags right in, no problems and headed to security. And to my relief, under 12 did not have to take their shoes off! Hallelujah! It still took us forever to check in because there is, well, six of us and they had to identify which girl was who on the ticket and then initial it. And then we had to get Lydia through the metal detector :) but she did it! Walked right through w/no problems at all, a little lip quiver, but no tears :)

And then suddenly.. we were Scot-free! We had all of our belongings, four super-pumped little girls and we had 30-minutes to spare, what panic?? ;)

They were so. excited.

Left lots of time for pictures! Dad was thrilled of course ;)

Took full advantage of the situation and pre-boarded b/c we had small children... and well, there is six of us! :D We paid enough money... I wasn't going to feel bad about it at. all.

Seats were decided upon... LeaAnn owning hers of course ;)

Still a little nervous ... we were sitting together and she held on to me for take-off, but once we were in the air, she relaxed :)

It was hard to hold steady as you can see, but they held hands all on their own for take-off :) was so glad I captured it.

In the air and loving it!

And eating pistachios at 8:30am :)

We made it through the first flight and arrived in Atlanta, GA. As I remember too, the girls just loved the airport. We took the fast-train to our concourse, found our gate and camped out. 1-1/2 layover which was nice so we didn't feel rushed.. LeaAnn of course was ready for a little more action :) but she managed.

2nd flight up & down and to our delight, found out that Pensacola, Florida's airport is just as small as Cedar Rapids! It was awesome... quick return on our luggage, picked up the keys for the van and we were. on. our. way!! #rolltide #alabamaorbust!