We woke up this morning at 5 a.m. We left the house at 6, and arrived at the airport by 7. Our plane actually took off around 9, and between then and when we landed at 11:10 (California time) the kids ate, watched DVDs, napped (N), cried (N), walked the aisles, ate some more, whined some more, and then ended with a little nap.

By the time we got our luggage and took the shuttle to the car rental place, it was noon. Then we waited in line for another 40 minutes, registered for our van, and then waited for it to be ready. We drove off the lot at 1:15.

Then we hit traffic. We ended up stopping for about 1/2 hour to get something to eat because we were all tired and famished. Then back on the road and more traffic.

We finally pulled in at 4:20. Almost 10 1/2 hours of travel. As Jess said, the shortest part of our trip was the plane ride.

But thankfully, we are here, and the kids are happily playing together. As we pulled up, E's whole body was wriggling with excitement. Her legs were kicking, and she was smiling from ear to ear. Grayson ran out with a matching grin, and the two of them ran off to play like they had never spent a day apart. Visiting Jay and Jess is like coming home -it is so familiar and comfortable.

The weather is beautiful-sunny, warm, breezy. Jess just finished making a delicious smelling dinner, and we are about to sit down and eat. The long hours of travel are forgotten, and our vacation is beginning.