Going to LA

It was time for Susan to go home to Taiwan. I had been saying for a couple of weeks that we are sending her things home and flying to LA to meet Mama. We packed most of her clothes in a small bag, but needed room in my suitcase for the milk, diapers, and a few other things like toys and things for the long trip. We kept out travel entertainment like the magic fingerpaint book and paints, a doll and bebe, and some clay for the backpacks. And of course, Susan's quilt and diapers for the trip had to be included. The new security rules made it impossible to carry juice, water, jellos, and most other foods. We did take chips and candy.

Garrett took us to the airport. It was very hard for him to say goodbye. He couldn't pass security, so he held her as long as possible. We put her in the stroller and started through the gate. She really didn't want to get out of the stroller or give up her quilt. The security officers and other passengers were very kind and accommodating for a screaming two-year old. We had to send our backpacks, shoes, and other carry-ons through. I didn't realize until later that we had my eyedrops and Susan's little bubble bottle in the packs. They didn't find the bubbles, but they did check out my drops.

When we got to the gate, we discovered the flight was delayed, so we had lots of time to waste. We went end to end several times with Susan pushing the stroller most of the time. She looked really cute in the Piglet outfit and backpack. She was pretty excited. We boarded early and got seats near the front. Susan looked out the windows and saw her suitcase being loaded. The flight to Albuquerque was a little bumpy, but we had fun looking at the clouds and the ground.

We had a light meal in the airport and were late to board because we didn't hear the announcement. Susan got the window again, but we were by the wing, so we couldn't see as well. The flight was good, but we ran out of things to do, or Susan was just tired of sitting still. I finally put her in my lap so we could sing and tell stories. She went to sleep for about 30 minutes, awaking just in time to land.

By the time we had collected our bags and found a place to sit, Dora and her husband Fei arrived. We sat to visit and play with Susan until about 7:30. Silvia was to come to a different terminal, so we loaded the car and moved to a different parking place. Then we waited...and waited...and waited, until nearly 10:30! Silvia's plane was on time, I think, but she had to collect her luggage and go through customs. Susan played with a small Chinese girl in a stroller and between the rows of seats. I was a little nervous about letting her move around much because there was a crowd of people waiting and lots of others with huge baggage. They couldn't always see around their bags to a small girl.

By the time Silvia came, I had put Susan in the stroller; she was tired. Silvia came around the corner, and when Susan saw her mother, they both broke into BIG smiles. Granma was toast. Susan was so happy to see Silvia that she wouldn't let go of her. We loaded the car and drove to a Thai restaurant about 45 minutes away. It was late, but we were hungry. Susan, Silvia, Dora, and I stayed at a LaQuinta near Dora's home. It was about 2 when we got to bed.