Wowsers!

Well, we made it! I feel like I have so many stories and moments worth sharing but I don't know where to begin and for how long I can keep going! Both the girls are asleep right now...I'm out here in a dark corner of my parents living room trying to be tired at the appropriate time. Anna's and Sabrina's schedule are all wonky and now they are trying to sleep and wake on Florida time...that means I am going to bed around 6:30pm Washington time and waking up around 5:00am Washington time. Anyway, enough of that nonsense. On we go...
Our trip consisted of three separate flights. The Minneapolis flight arrived late in Memphis and that resulted in my literally RUNNING to the gate for the next flight and still being the last person in line for the final boarding call. Yeesh! Oh, and did I mention that Anna peed her pants just as we were taxiing toward the gate thus giving me the unforgettable memory of what it probably feels like to run while carrying a sprinkler system...I say that because with every step that I ran, a new burst of moisture would escape. Lovely, I know. So we get on the plane and end up sitting in the very back of a "puddle-jumper" (yes, I did manage to changer her diaper on the plane, and she got to travel the rest of the way sans pants). My ears were instantly bombarded with strong southern accents. --One person from this experience will forever stand out in my mind and I can't even begin to do justice to her description...(especially since I am FINALLY getting tired. So, forgive me, but I will give an abbreviated version for now. This woman's looks combined with her over-the-top accent and volume thereof made me compare her with an Ernest character from Ernest Scared Stupid: the female Ernest who declares that hairspray will fix anything. Even if you don't know what the heck I am talking about, if you at LEAST know Jim Varney's face when he acts out the Ernest character, then you have a good idea of what I dealt with. (If you can imagine his voice, all the better!) Anyway, this boisterous, extremely kind woman made sure that my children, along with three quarters of the plane, learned that she is a "Mimi" (french for Grandma) and that she was going dedicate every last spark of life in her body to the cause of entertaining my children. I was blessed and cursed to sit right next to her as she hollered patty-cake and "Pee-Pie" (Southern version of "peek-a-boo") across me and into the adoring eyes of my happy but sporadically crying and screaming children. I tell you, this lady continues to marvel me! She spent at least a solid hour playing games, bellowing songs, and coloring with my kids. I couldn't help but think of how incredibly helpful and selfless she was being and wishing there was something I could do for her in return. I didn't have to wish too long, though. Near the end of the flight, she had worn herself out and nearly hoarse! As she slumped lower in her chair, she declared, "...what I really need now is a Vodka Tonic". ;) When the flight attendant gave the drink to her and awaited payment, the lady fished for stray one dollar bills in her messy purse. It looked as though she wouldn't find enough, so I quickly took advantage of the moment and bought her the drink. She thanked my profusely and laughed at the fact that it has been nearly 40 yrs since a man or woman has bought her a drink :) I felt it was a measly contribution on my part, but she seemed much refreshed afterward:) Let's give it up for that Mimi!!!
Well, there it is for now...I'll try to share more with you when I'm in a rested state and make more sense. Thank you to all who wished us luck :) I really appreciate your kind hopes for us :) Indeed, we are well and enjoying our vacation. I hope you all have a good week! Ta-ta for now!