Yeah. I didn't want to advertise exactly what was going on while it was happening for a number of reasons, but John just got home tonight from a work related trip to South Korea. He has been gone for just over 2 weeks. 2 long weeks.
I'll go ahead and remind you that my precious children and 6,4 and 1. We have a small, but strong support system here, but no family closer than 6 hours.
John has never had to travel anywhere for work before, so this was a huge change for our family. I think in the back of our minds up until the day he left, we were kind of hoping it wouldn't work out and the trip would be cancelled. But, it was not. The truth here is that I was unhappy about being left behind! John just checked Asia off his continent list and I have not. No fair. Although this is the kind if trip I would consider taking the whole family with when the kids are a little older. The timing was just not right.
Thankfully, it worked out for us to spend over half of the time in Minnesota visiting our many of our wonderful friends and family. In particular, my parents worked overtime to get us there (travel with a 1 year old can be challenging) and then were the most gracious hosts. We are so thankful for their help and flexibility.
The second week, I flew solo here at home which had its challenges. I did it and survived as did the kids, but life is sure easier when you have another adult around to lean on.
I know John had lots of interesting stories and adventures to share with you (lost luggage, eating oatmeal with chopsticks, adventures in eating in the Korean cafeteria, business class travel excitement including lobster jello, restaurant hijinks, sightseeing trips and more). I am hopeful he will sit down to share some of his experiences here for the kids to look back upon.
It was my plan to get to the airport earlyish in order to meet up with John at the baggage claim. The kids and I worked very hard on some signs to welcome daddy home and everyone for cleaned up. Mama wore a dress and some lipstick (!). However, my plan didn't work out as I couldn't figure out which lot to park in and then got turned around between the terminals. So, the sweet family reunion was not to be. By the time I figured out where I needed to be, John was standing on the curb waiting for me. The flight was early and his bag was the first one out of the baggage claim (how often does that happen?). So, I'm disappointed about my plans, but happy daddy is back in town.
Happy in part because the technology tends to misbehave when John isn't here. Currently:
My phone won't take video
My email won't download
The enter button doesn't work on the computer
The printer isn't printing
The ice machine is leaking
The kids' radio isn't paying
Thermostat isn't working properly
I'm certain that with another week I could really get things a mess!
Sounds like a good list for tomorrow? Right?
