Germany day 1: getting there

Monday, the 27th.

Monday started in Suffolk, VA. It ended on a plane over the Atlantic. Somewhere in between Jim signed out of Fort Lee, VA (woohoo!) which included some paperwork drama. Enough drama that at one point we were told we couldn't leave for Germany until Wednesday. But no worries! Numerous phone calls, faxes and a favor from a friend sent us on our way to the Baltimore airport (BWI) with space-a confidence (mostly).

Before our flight we were even able to squeeze in a birthday dinner with Grandpa (happy 85th!) and Cousin Joel in Annapolis. I do love that Red Lobster cheesy bread.

We threw our bags in the car and raced to BWI to sit, and wait, and pray our name was called. There were 26 space-a slots and we just wanted 2 of them.

After a time the nice man in uniform yelled "Grube" and we exchanged smiles. Phew! I ran to use the courtesy phone to call my friends, telling them we were on our way (didn't work). Meanwhile Jim was required to fill out some crazy military paperwork and had to yell across the terminal, "How much do you weigh?" I might have rounded down.

A half hour into the flight and 10 minutes into The Incredible Hulk, and I was out. It was well after midnight and I was t i r e d.

Actually there were three movies. And three meals. I apparently missed one of each entirely. Didn't even know they happened. I was able to sleep 6 out of the 8 hour flight, a method I highly recommend.

As we neared our landing I was giddy with excitement. This is a picture of Germany from the air. Technically this was taken on Tuesday so I've gotten ahead of myself, but you've all be asking for pictures so I had to give you something. Here's another one to tide you over for tomorrow.

We were pretending we were gnomes. Spot a theme?