Tuesday, September 11, 2007

We made it, barely.

Well, we are now in Austin, Texas visiting my sister and brother in law. We left on Monday. The original flight was supposed to leave Pittsburgh at 6:50pm. But it was late and we ended up leaving around 7:45pm. No big deal. The flight was stopping in Atlanta for a 40 minute lay over. But it was the same airplane that was going on to Austin so I wasn't worried. That is what they told me at the gate. We arrived in Atlanta and I just took my own sweet time getting my things together while exiting the plane. The flight crew told me as I was leaving that the plane was going to Houston instead of Austin and a tinge of panic raced through me. So, we hurried off the plane and found the departure screen to direct us where to go. But Austin was no where to be found on the screen. WTH!! I saw another guy that I knew was heading to Austin and he too was just bumming around, thinking he was safe while waiting to re board the original plane.

We both walked fast to another screen and again, no Austin. Not good. The pilot was behind us from our first flight and said, "I guess you have missed it. Tell the Delta Desk and tell them that it was late because of mechanical problems earlier in the day so all the flights were off. They tend to make up other reasons to save money." I was so mad.

Here I was, 10pm in Atlanta with my three little ones. Waaaaa!!! But we got it all taken care of and Delta put us in the Sheraton with $47.00 in meal vouchers and $225.00 in future travel with Delta for the troubles. It was no easy job getting all that, but I did it. As nicely as I possibly could. But I came very close to getting nasty a few times. The same guy that I found earlier was also headed to the Sheraton and he helped me get there with all the things I had. (My children, car seat, purse, carry on, and double stroller). Lucky for me and everyone else around me, the kids were EXCELLENT. They have never traveled so well. Not a tear or scream ever. It was so nice.

So, after a long few hours getting planned for the next day departure, we went to catch the shuttle and go to bed. And come to find out, I DID have enough diapers to get us through until we got our luggage today. Holy cow, that could have been bad. But no retainer. Anyone who knows me at all knows my OBSESSION with my retainer. I DO NOT want to go buck. And I just know I will if I stop wearing it. Even my mission, I wore the tye died beauty. It even glows in the dark. :) Don't worry, I have had new ones made periodically. :)

And we are here! The flight this morning was great. Noah slept most of it, Jackson just sat there and ate some chips, and Ellie slept too. I read.

We are having a great time with Jocelyn. Her house is darling and the boys are loving having free run of it. See some of you soon.

As for the nice guy we met, he also made it safely to his home and family. His name was Keith. Just for names sake. :) I think I would have really struggled if Keith hadn't been there to help. His wife had taught him well. Help a woman in distress!!!!! :)

16 comments:

Jason Smythe said...

Gosh. Little crush on Keith huh. Did you follow up with him to make sure that he slept well last night?

Jana said...

There was no crush on the 40 year old man. Just grateful to him for helping and I would hope that my husband would do the same for a woman in the same situation. Rather than just simply stand by and watch her struggle with her family, while all alone and tired. I am so sure!

Rachel said...

yeah jason, boo. so what is he had his shirt off the whole time. He was working hard carrying all the bags and Jana in his other arm. Jana, glad you made it. sounds like a nightmare so I am glad your kids were good. I think i would have gone crazy if that was happening to me. I hate not knowing what's going to happen next. have fun in te-has

McKelle said...

Isn't Jason 40 too. That's no excuse! You make me laugh. You and your retainer. Buck. Oh boy, the memories of late nights at your parents house with your retainer. Do you know what time it is? I'll just let myself out. Goodnight.

Kimo said...

Glad you made it through! I hate getting stuck in airports (happened to us in Cincinnati last year - Delta again). Jason, I didn't realize you had such a jealous streak in you (check jana's phone log when she gets home - just in case;)). Brave woman traveling all by your lonesome with three youngins!

emily said...

Whoa, you are a brave girl to travel with 3 kids by yourself. Bravo! I think I would have burst into tears when they told me I missed the flight.

Hope you have a great time in the lonestar state. You absolutely, positively eat at this restaurant called Papacitos. Some of the BEST mexican food EVER.

Brooklet said...

Yikes, Yikes, Ughhhs, and one more Yikes. Travelling with three youngs kids by yourself would be enough to stress me out, much less having to face over night delays! How annoying! Glad you made it and have a good time in Texas- just don't come back with an accent or a really big belt buckle that says Texas- because then we couldn't be friends anymore.

Tanya said...

Whoa, all I can say is you have reached super-mom status. How in the world!! At this stage or point, I would NEVER even attempt that. I sweat more taking three kids to the grocery store than I do running 5 miles.

Libby said...

Way to go Jana!! I am impressed! I would have broken down for sure. Thank heavens the kids were good...we had a little talk while you were packing ;). Let's all pray that the next round will not be so crazy! Can't wait till your back- just to turn around and leave again :(.

By the way, that would have been Jeff's exact response :). (Do I have enough smiley/frown faces :0!)

emandteem said...

Enjoy Austin for us! Wow, I don't like traveling with two kids. You are my hero!

Lisa said...

Ha ha, I love Jason...that was funny! I'm traveling solo with the two in October. NOT looking forward to it!

Anonymous said...

Permanent retainers are the way to go! Check into one.. i can't imagine having to keep wearing a removable one for years and years!

shannon said...

i am so jealous you are there spending time with jocey! lucky you. and lucky that you got to have a keith nearby to make your husband jealous! haha! and about your retainers...you are hilarious!

Amy said...

I like Jason's comment the best. I hate traveling by myself, I give you props for doing it with 3 kids in tow. Have a fun time with your sister, see you when you get back.

Jen and Bryan said...

Jana Kohler!!! How are you? I found your blog from Kel who had Sara Orr's who had Jocelyn's... anyways... drop me a line. I would LOVE to hear how you are doing and what you are up to. You look FABULOUS!!!!! And your kids are too adorable! Love, Jenny Meacham (now Wyeth)

Rachel said...

how did you do this with your page. I have changed like 100 times because I dont like any of the templates. this is super cute.