My bus eventually rolled in to Tucson at 3:30 in the morning. I got to the airport and found out right off the bat that my flight was delayed. Then delayed again, and again. I was supposed to have a three-hour layover in San Francisco, but it was now looking as if I wouldn’t have time to make my connection at all.
The flight eventually took off and I tried to get some sleep. There was a lady behind me with a 3 year-old and a 1 year-old—rather serendipitously I suppose. I couldn’t sleep for some reason and eventually gave up. That’s when the flight attendant snuck this note onto my tray. I thought it was a rather nice gesture—something I haven’t experienced a lot of on flights these days. She thought it was the kids who were keeping me from sleep and wanted to let me know I could move, but didn’t want to make the mother behind me feel bad.
Our flight landed fifteen minutes before my flight to Portland was scheduled to take off. Full on O.J. style I raced through SFO, and to the sounds of “Last call,” I slipped between the closing doors. Had I not made it I was looking at a six-hour wait.
I arrived in Portland 22 hours after leaving the boat. I’m not entirely sure the savings was worth it. It probably took me about twelve hours longer to go this route than if I had flown out of Hermosillo. Twelve hours, to save about $350, comes out to roughly thirty bucks an hour. Fair enough I guess, considering I was alone, but I sure wouldn’t be making that run with the kids.
I’d like to say the kids were over the moon to see their papa stroll through the door, but the truth is that their Aunt Katy and Aunt Toni were there already, as was Grammy, and the dog, and new toys, and books, and what? who? “Oh, hi Papa.”
Ali’s sisters flew out from Minnesota for a visit with the kids. And did I mention it’s ninety-seven degrees here? The hell? It was only ninety-five in San Carlos. It’s still only something like forty-five in Minnesota though I think, so they’re happy to be here.
9 Comments on “Oh, Hey Papa”
Ha ha, I get that. I travel for work and come home late at night while everyones sleeping. The next morning they’ll wake up and wander into the kitchen with “Mom, I’m hungry what’s for breakfast?” Then I can tick off about 5 seconds on my fingers before I get “MOM! You’re HOME!” and hugs I don’t usually get, since they are older now, lol. It’s always funny!
If you like Thai food, don’t miss Pok Pok.
What a Grandma! I would never pick up a snail for my grandkids! We looked at them on the ground but they were icky!!!! We looked at and talked about all sorts of trees, bugs, spiders, ants and anything in the water but not snails! Lots of verbalization is important at this age. It is your “home schooling”. Many have asked if you are going to “Home School”. You have been spending the last 3 years home schooling. Lots of correct modeling speech is important. Love what you are doing with your little ones.
Thanks for the kind words Lucy. My mom has never been the squeamish type that’s for sure. 🙂
Have to agree about the snail; Grammy is a hero.
Oh gawd, in a couple weeks we take the flight from Santiago to the states. I think we’re far enough south now where the total trip lasts well over 20 hours. Gonna be ugly with Soleil no matter how you cut it. But you just inspired me with a brilliant idea! I’ll send Stevie and Sol ahead on a separate flight, and I’ll go solo. So much easier. I won’t have to worry about that clunky baby stroller and I won’t be “that guy” with the screaming baby that nobody wants to sit near.
perfect plan. Thanks Pat.
TREE
It is perfect. All you have to do is concoct some story about how you really need to take the engine out of the van, give it a rebuild, and then you’ll catch up with them. Easy.
Love that Tree is going to try this angle… ha ha….. Their blog has been great to follow too. Your calculations are something I have to do, when considering a flight.. I finally have to ask myself.. is it worth it to layover in denver, then minneapolis, just to save 30 bucks? maybe not…. hmmmm…. glad you are in Portland. I will see you guys soon.
what Will said. I will shoot you guys an email and see if we can hook up a playdate soon.