I am so glad we finally made it to Italy! The trip here was exhausting, but exciting. I will start with Monday morning. Connor kept us up throughout the night (surprise, surprise) so we were tired when our alarm went off. We got ready and packed up our many suitcases. Aaron's friend from work picked us up and we checked out of the hotel. We dropped off our friends car that we borrowed for a few weeks and said goodbye to our good friend Karen and her son, Connor's best friend.
We drove an hour and a half to Raleigh. Once we got there, Aaron unloaded all the bags while I waited inside with Connor and watched the luggage.
We had a total of 9 suitcases, 4 bags, a stroller, pack n play, and car seat!
Kylie was a little nervous.
Excited!
Saying goodbye to Kylie.
They were able to put us on an earlier flight to JFK, which worked out great because we were at the airport early and it gave us a 3 hour layover instead of just 1 (which we later found out was not enough time).
Looking outside.
Playing on the "conveyer belt walkway" (not sure what it's called).
We were allowed to get on the plane first because we had a child with us. It was good because we had to figure out how to install his car seat. This was our first time taking it on the plane, and it was awesome not having to hold him in our lap!
He took about a 30 minute nap.
Once we landed in New York and found our way around JFK, which was SO confusing, we grabbed a bite to eat at our next gate. We shared a cheeseburger, cheese fries, and a milkshake before we left America. So fattening, but so good!
Last meal in America!
When it was time to get on the next flight, it was chaos. We had too many bags and Aaron wasn't assigned a seat next to me. Aaron was stuck with Connor by the entrance to the plane, and I couldn't help him because people were coming onto the plane and standing in the walkways. Eventually, I was able to get Connor from Aaron, he was able to put the luggage away and install the car seat, and trade seats with the man sitting next to Connor. Now I know why they start seating international flights so early, because the planes are so big and there are so many people!
Happy to be together!
We ended up having to turn Connor's seat forward facing because the stewardess said the guy in front of Connor wouldn't be able to recline his seat. We did what we were told and the (not very friendly) guy, who seemed frustrated with Connor from the beginning, ended up moving seats in the middle of the flight anyways.
It was a long overnight flight. About 8 1/2 hours. They served us dinner and breakfast. Connor slept for about 6 hours straight, so it made it pretty easy for us. Aaron and I tried to sleep, but we couldn't get comfortable. Let's just say, we were very happy to land on Tuesday morning!
We made a tent with his blanket to keep it dark for him.
Aaron's sponsor and his wife picked us up in Venice. They brought two cars because Aaron warned them that we had a lot of bags with us. We had lunch at a REAL Italian restaurant and then went back to the airport to pick up Kylie. They drove us to Vicenza and we checked into our hotel room. We were able to stay on base, which is what I really wanted! It is within walking distance to everything and the rooms are very nice! Much better than the hotel at Fort Bragg. We are allowed to stay here for up to 60 days while we search for a permanent place to live.
Living room/Connor's room
Kitchen and dining room
Our bedroom
Bathroom
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