head over heels: 30 hrs later...

and we're off!!!

doorstep to doorstep = 30 hours!

12 bags of luggage

4 car seats

7 carry on bags

lots of snacks

3 adults

4 kids: 6 & under

5 airline workers

is what it took to get us on our way to the adventure of living in Australia!

Overall all our flights went off without many hiccups. We had a delay in Chicago that put us in a tight spot once we got to LA for our connecting flight to Sydney. We were suppose to have a 2 hour layover - plenty of time to stretch our legs, get some food, let the kids burn off some energy and then settle in for our 14 hour flight - but that was cut short to MAYBE a 10 minute layover. We hustled to get off the plane with all of our "stuff" and made it to our next gate just as they were about to close the doors!

We got many looks as 3 adults and 4 young children made their way to business class! Not the usual business class passengers. The kids did GREAT! Everyone one around us was impressed with how well they traveled and even their behavior & manners...praise God! I think all of us were praying for a quiet trip.

Beckett was a little under the weather as we started out in Chicago and slept most of the time. Not a bad thing, but his high temperature had us a little worried. After a few days in Newcastle, his temperature still did not break and his mood was horrible. He complained of stomach and ear pain. So 5:30 am we made our first trip to the ER in Australia! Verdict - ear infection! A day later after antibiotics had kicked in he was a new person. Thank goodness for medicine.

The first few days we were all a little exhausted and trying to adjust to the time change. Josh was able to be home for the weekend and the following Monday. Many trips to the beach, park and walks around the neighborhood kept the kiddos entertained while we sorted things out at the house.